The Rainbow Warriors will be without their second-leading tackler for at least a month.
Inside linebacker Julian Gener had surgery on Tuesday to repair a fractured fibula. He suffered the injury in Saturday’s 28-14 road loss to Rice.
Gener missed the final nine games of the 2013 season after suffering an elbow injury. He underwent "Tommy John surgery."
This season, Gener, a fourth-year junior, has 33 tackles, including 3.5 backfield stops. He also has been credited with three quarterback hurries.
Of the Warriors’ growing injury list, defensive coordinator Kevin Clune said: "That’s called football. There’s no, ‘Hey, timeout, guys, we’ve got some issues so you have to play softer.’ No one is going to feel sorry for us. The next man has to step up."
There are two choices to fill the vacancy alongside inside linebacker Simon Poti. Tevita Lataimua, who has missed the past two games because of an injury, is expected to be cleared to play in Saturday’s game against Wyoming.
The Warriors also could promote Benetton "Benny" Fonua, who got the first sack and interception of his UH career against Rice. Malachi Mageo, a true freshman, also is a consideration.
"We’re trying to redshirt him," Clune said. "If an emergency happens, Malachi is ready to go."
Starting outside linebacker TJ Taimatuia also has experience playing in the middle.
Asked about other possibilities, Clune joked to a reporter: "Me? You?"
The Warriors had a costly loss when Jerrol Garcia-Williams, who is capable of playing outside and inside linebacker, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the second game.
"(Losing) his versatility was a big blow when he went down," Clune said of Garcia-Williams.
But Clune said: "We’ve always got a plan for the contingencies. We’re always trying to put the best product out on the field. We’ve always got to play as tough as we can. … We’re going to come out and we’re going to fight."
