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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 4:50 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2008

Graunke, other Warriors hurt in loss to Oregon State

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Hawai‘i quarterback Tyler Graunke throws during the first half against Oregon State. Graunke was pulled out of the game in the third quarter with a hurt thumb and right wrist.

DON RYAN | Associated Press

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CORVALLIS, Ore. — Quarterback Tyler Graunke, Hawai'i's third starter this season, injured his thumb and wrist on his right (throwing) arm in the third quarter, coach Greg McMackin said after a 45-7 loss to Oregon State today.

Warrior left tackle Keith AhSoon, running backs Leon Wright-Jackson and Daniel Libre also suffered injuries during the game.

Graunke, who will have X-rays taken tomorrow when the team returns after staying overnight in Oakland, completed 12 of 27 passes for 118 yards for the Warriors (1-2), but threw two interceptions. He was replaced by Inoke Funaki.

He was hurt a couple of plays before he finally came out, McMackin said.

"He couldn't grab the ball," he said.

Graunke's right hand and wrist were wrapped in a brace. He said he cannot bend the thumb.

If Graunke is unable to play, Funaki will be the Warriors' No. 1 quarterback as UH prepares for its WAC opener against San Jose State on Sept. 27.

AhSoon suffered a possible ACL injury to his left knee in the first quarter. He was on crutches after the game and will have an MRI on Monday.

Libre reinjured a sprained right ankle and Wright-Jackson was removed during the first series after aggravated an arch injury.

"The good thing is that we have a bye week to heal up a bit ... go get ready for San Jose State, which is going to be a big ball game," McMackin said.

Graunke had emerged in Hawai'i's victory against Weber State, rallying the Warriors from a 17-7 halftime deficit by throwing three second-half touchdown passes. He was named the Western Athletic Conference offensive player of the week.

Graunke had backed up Colt Brennan for the past three seasons, but was held out of the preseason because of academic issues.

Advertiser staff writer Stephen Tsai and the Associated Press contributed to this report.