LAS VEGAS — In the desert heat, the Hawai'i football team froze.

During a position drill, defensive end Jake Heun swore, then hobbled to the makeshift training area.

A trainer cut off the tape wrapping Heun's right ankle, then Heun took off his sock and right shoe. But after the trainer massaged Heun's foot, Heun declared himself OK. Soon after, he resumed practicing.

This time, a crisis was averted. There was concern because the defensive-end position continued to thin.

After yesterday's practice, head coach Greg McMackin said it was unlikely defensive ends Fetaiagogo "John" Fonoti and Paipai Falemalu would play in tomorrow's road game against Nevada-Las Vegas.

Fonoti has not practiced since suffering a hyper-extended left kneecap more than two weeks ago.

Asked if he would sit out his third consecutive game, Fonoti said, "I think so."

"John is really trying," McMackin said. "He's walking. He tried to run (Wednesday)."

McMackin said Fonoti can tolerate the pain. But the injury has limited Fonoti's mobility, a key part of his pass-rushing job.

"What are you going to do?" McMackin said. "He can't really cut."

Fonoti has been undergoing electronic stimulation and intensive rehabilitation.

"If (playing) is going to make it worse, I'd rather wait," McMackin said.

Falemalu, who is the Warriors' best pass-rushing end, suffered a high sprain to his right ankle. He was on crutches yesterday.

"I'm mad that I cannot play," said Falemalu, who is used mostly in the three-man front. "But I have to sit out until I'm 100 percent. I don't want to go out there and get hurt."

Liko Satele started the first two games in place of Fonoti at right end.

McMackin said Heun will open at left end. Heun was expected to start there last week, but Elliott Purcell was in the opening lineup. Purcell, who is suffering from a deep contusion in his left quadriceps, said his health is at 80 percent.

In the past Saturday's 38-20 victory over Washington State, Heun played mostly right end. Asked how many times he practiced on that side, Heun said, "None."

"They scrambled to throw guys in," Heun said.

Heun had opened the season as a backup middle linebacker before moving to end. He said he still is not as comfortable attacking out of a three-point stance.

Against Washington State, he said, "I probably played a little more standup than I should have."

UH NOT 'MESSING AROUND'

Yesterday's practice marked the final full workout before tomorrow's game. The Warriors have a 90-minute, walk-through session scheduled for today at Sam Boyd Stadium.

McMackin praised his team's focus during this two-game, two-city trip that began Sept. 9.

"We've been on a business trip, and that's how they've acted," McMackin said. "We haven't had a guy late (to a meeting or practice). We haven't had a guy messing around. I'm proud of how they've reacted to situations."

While it is legal for players older than 21 to drink or play table games, McMackin said, "they're not gambling and they're not drinking. We don't have any prima donnas."

McMackin said he imposed a strict schedule of practice, meetings, meals and study hall.

"You'd think we'd be working on football the whole time," McMackin said. "We're not. We keep it like we're going to school."

In addition to this 11-night road trip, the Warriors also travel to Louisiana Tech this month. McMackin said the Warriors on the travel roster will only have nine class days in September.

He said his players are keeping up through online lessons and tests administered by the two academic counselors traveling with the team.

"It's tough to make up (classes) on the road, but they're really working hard to do that," McMackin said.