Kealoha Pilares, regarded by his coaches as the Hawai'i football team's best all-around offensive threat, has been told he will miss at least three weeks of playing time because of a sprained right foot.

"They said foot sprains usually take three to four weeks (to heal)," said Pilares, who doubles as a running back and slotback. "I don't know. But I'm going to try to get back before then."

Pilares suffered the injury to the tarsometatarsal joint — the top part of his right foot — during the first quarter of Friday's 27-7 loss to Boise State.

He did not play after that.

X-rays did not show a separation of the joints, meaning the injury can heal without surgery. But by definition, all sprains involve some degree of tearing.

Pilares said he is frequently elevating his foot and receiving ice treatments to alleviate the swelling.

In most cases, "people usually have casts," Pilares said.

Instead, Pilares said, "I'm just using this old-fashioned (walking) boot."

Pilares said he is pushing to return for the Nov. 1 road game against Utah State.

"I'm going to try to do all that I can to get healthy again," Pilares said.

Pilares leads the Warriors in touchdowns (five) and rushing yards (236). He also is the leader in post-catch yards. He was expected to be one of the kickoff returners, too.

Head coach Greg McMackin described Pilares as "one of our best offensive weapons."

PRACTICES CLOSED

McMackin said he will close practices to the public this week to keep secret new plays and personnel changes that will be implemented for Saturday's game against Nevada.

"We're going to do some things that fit within the run-and-shoot scheme," he said.

McMackin said Inoke Funaki, who is 3-2 as a starter this season, will remain as the No. 1 quarterback. McMackin, who expressed disappointment in dropped passes and busted routes against Boise State, said some of the changes are designed to "give (Funaki) some more weapons."

McMackin also said he will create an offensive package involving a "pure thrower," if dictated by the situation. Greg Alexander, the No. 2 quarterback, and Brent Rausch both fit the "pure-thrower" classification.

"If we need a pure thrower, we're going to put in a pure thrower," said McMackin, noting junior-college transfers Alexander and Rausch have "had seven weeks to get better."

McMackin said the kickoff-return and punt-return units are "not getting it done." As a result, nickelback Ryan Mouton, the Warriors' most productive defensive back, will be spared from continuing to serve as a kick returner.

"It's a suicide mission, and he's getting beat to heck," McMackin said. "We've got to get that together, and we have plans for Ryan."

As for Mouton's replacement, McMackin mused: "We're going to draw straws right now. ... Maybe somebody I'm upset with, I'll put him back at kickoff return, and just let him go back there and be punished. If somebody is late for a meeting, (he's) going to be our kickoff-return guy."

McMackin also was frustrated with the punt returns. Michael Washington's 12 returns have netted negative-4 yards, an average of minus-0.33 yards per return, worst among 120 Division I-A teams.

"We're either not blocking or (the punt returner) is not running," McMackin said.

WARRIOR NOTES