Chang broke the proximal phalanx, which is the bone on the top side of the hand. It was a nondisplaced fracture, meaning the injury was confined to one area. He was examined by a hand specialist, Dr. Robert Atkinson, today and was fitted for a specially made splint. He will undergo X-rays in 10 to 14 days. It will determined then when he will be allowed to throw again. No surgery is required.

Chang suffered the injury during this morning’s practice at the University of Hawai‘i grass field.

Chang was injured during the final hours of a three-hour practice in which he apparently hit a teammate’s helmet.

He was examined on the sidelines by team physician, Dr. Andrew Nichols, and several trainers.

“We’re disappointed because he worked so hard to get back after his wrist injury,” Coach June Jones said. “Hopefully, we can get him back after a few weeks.”

“It’s a minor setback,” Chang said. “I wish it wouldn’t have happened, but it did, so how we deal with it now is what counts. I’ll be out there again. Everything’s going to be all right.”

Jason Whieldon, a junior college transfer from Saddleback Junior College in California, will assume the starting role.

Shawn Withy-Allen will be the backup.

Chang missed the final nine games last season with a ligament tear in his right wrist. He received a medical hardship and now has three years to play three seasons.

Chang is sixth on UH’s career passing list with 328 completions for 4,141 yards and 25 touchdowns. He has not played since Sept. 29, 2001, when he hurt his wrist against Rice.