In an eventful Hawai'i football practice yesterday:

• Defensive ends Fetaiagogo Fonoti and Paipai Falemalu resumed workouts after missing games because of injuries.

• Linebacker/nickelback Aaron Brown will miss Wednesday's road game against Louisiana Tech — and possibly several more — because of an injured right hamstring.

• Right tackle Laupepa Letuli, who was wearing a large brace on his left knee, did not work out. He reportedly suffered an ailment during a jumping exercise Wednesday.

Letuli issued what was essentially a "no comment," saying, "Just trying (the brace) on, see what it feels like."

But head coach Greg McMackin said he expects Letuli, one of five fifth-year seniors starting on the offensive line, to be ready for the Louisiana Tech game.

"The five blocks of granite will be there," McMackin said.

Adrian Thomas, who had been working out at guard, and Kainoa LaCount took turns at right tackle yesterday.

"We're going to be switching up, so it should be good," LaCount said. "We don't know what's going to happen (with Letuli), so we have to be ready."

Thomas said he is hopeful Letuli will be available. Still, he said, "I'm getting ready."

The outlook was less optimistic for Brown, who was heralded as one of the jewels of the 2009 recruiting class.

Brown was moved from safety to linebacker a few weeks ago. He has served as a rover when the Warriors employ five defensive backs.

"Since the first game, I haven't been able to play at 100 percent," Brown said of his injured hamstring.

McMackin said the injury is "why he's not starting. He's a stud. He's had a hamstring (injury) all year. It's getting worse. He's one of the best players, but we can't get him on the field because of his hamstring injury."

Brown said he is scheduled to undergo further medical tests.

"It sucks," Brown said. "I came out here to play. I'd rather help the team by being 100 percent than going out there and making mistakes at 80 percent."

If the injury persists, Brown would be a candidate for a medical hardship. A UH candidate may not play in more than three games for the entire season, and all of the appearances must be in the first six weeks.

Brown, who transferred from a junior college in July, has never used a redshirt year.

The Warriors welcomed back Fonoti and Falemalu.

Fonoti has missed the first three games because of a hyper-extended left kneecap.

"I have to get back into it," he said. "My knee isn't used to it."

But he said he is motivated to play.

"Hell, yeah," he said. "I've been out for three games. I don't want to miss any more. I've got to catch up."

Fonoti is one of the Warriors' most frenetic pass-rushers.

"Getting Fonoti back," McMackin said, "gives us a whole different dimension."

Falemalu, an effective pass-rusher out of the three-man front, also should provide a boost. He did not play against Nevada-Las Vegas because of a high sprain of his right ankle.

"I'm not 100 percent, but it's better than walking on crutches," Falemalu said. "There's nothing to do but tape it up and suck it up as much as possible."

McMackin gave Falemalu the yellow light.

"Coach Mack told me to get some reps, but don't re-injure it," Falemalu said. "It doesn't hurt when I get into the stance. When I try to change directions, it's a little tender. But I'll be ready for the game."

Wideout/kick returner Jovonte Taylor said he has been cleared to resume practicing tomorrow. On the second play against UNLV, he suffered a sprained left ankle. He said an MRI did not show any damage.

"I didn't think I would be back so soon with an ankle sprain," Taylor said.

NOTES AND UPDATES

• Quarterback Brent Rausch said he still does not know when he will be able to resume workouts. Two weeks ago, Rausch suffered a fracture in the pinkie of his right (throwing) hand. "It's very frustrating," he said of the injury, suffered when he fell to the ground during a drill. "It was an unlucky situation."

• Freshman linebacker George Daily-Lyles will redshirt this season. The coaches left the choice to Daily-Lyles. "They kept giving me travel lists, like they wanted me to play," Daily-Lyles said, laughing. "I'm going to redshirt, get this year under my belt, learn the system."

• Offensive tackle Brett Leonard has not played this season, an indication he might redshirt. Leonard was on the past travel roster.

Visit Tsai's blog at http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com.