Matagiese could be back next week

SALT LAKE CITY >> Defensive tackle Saui Matagiese has a strained MCL in his right knee.

That’s relatively good news for Matagiese, who will miss Saturday’s game against Navy but has a chance to return against San Diego State on Nov. 16.

Matagiese, a fifth-year senior, injured his knee in the fourth quarter of a 47-10 loss to Utah State last Saturday. Preliminary tests indicated he might have injured his MCL or ACL. An ACL injury would have ended his UH career.

But an MRI on Tuesday afternoon showed the sprain was limited to the MCL. He will not require surgery. He already has participated in intensive physical therapy and treatment.

The Rainbow Warriors depart today for the second leg of this 10-day, two-game road trip.

IOSEFA EXPECTS TO PLAY

Running back Joey Iosefa practiced on Tuesday and expects to play against Navy.

“It’s been a long time,” said Iosefa, who has played one series this season.

He fractured his left foot while training in July. He returned for the Sept. 21 game against Nevada, carrying twice for 4 yards and catching a 2-yard pass. But he departed after aggravating his left foot during a pile-up.

Iosefa then had a screw inserted into his left foot.

He was held out of the Utah State game because of discomfort in that foot. During Tuesday’s warmups at the University of Utah’s indoor facility, he went to the sideline, where he was treated for tightness in his legs.

“It’s cold,” Iosefa said of the facility, whose doors were kept open. “When you try to warm up, you get tight fast.”

He then participated in the 90-minute practice.

FUN IN THE SNOW

Salt Lake City was covered in snow Tuesday morning, meaning one thing.

“Snowball fight,” offensive lineman Kody Afusia said.

The players threw snowballs outside the practice facility, then continued the battle in the snow-covered area behind the hotel.

Linebacker Kamalani Alo took off his jersey.

Quarterback Sean Schroeder put on his helmet.

“You’ve got to protect your best asset at all times,” said Schroeder, who unfortunately forgot to wear gloves. He quit after a couple of minutes.

Running back Diocemy Saint Juste, who was raised in Florida, admitted, “I’m not used to this.”

Saint Juste said he was not trained for snowball combat.

“I just grabbed and threw,” he said. “It wasn’t really a snowball.”

The battle ended when Afusia was struck south of his belt.

“It’s all fun and games until somebody gets hit in the wrong spot,” Afusia said, grimacing. “I’m not down. I’m a man.”