The Hawaii football team will learn today about the availability of one of its top overall players.

Cornerback/returner Mike Edwards will undergo an MRI this morning to determine the extent of an injury to his left shoulder that he suffered on a kick return during Saturday’s 45-10 loss to Fresno State.

Edwards suffered a torn labrum to the same shoulder last year. He played the second half of the 2011 season despite the injury, which prevented him from fully raising his left arm. He underwent surgery in January, which prevented him from participating in contact drills during spring training.

Edwards is hopeful the current injury will not require surgery, and he remains determined to play this week.

"I’ll do everything I can not to miss the Boise State game," Edwards said.

Edwards is considered the Warriors’ top cover defender and a dependable open-field tackler. He is 12th nationally in kickoff returns with an average of 29.26 yards.

"He’s a very good leader," coach Norm Chow said. "He’s one of our co-captains. He always works hard. He never complains. He always tries to do things the right way."

On Saturday, Edwards and freshman Ne’Quan Phillips started at the two corner positions. If Edwards is not available, then Phillips, Dee Maggitt, Tony Grimes and John Hardy-Tuliau will form the cornerback rotation.

Hardy-Tuliau played at strong safety and nickelback against Fresno State.

Grimes did not make the trip after breaking an unspecified team rule. Safeties Leroy Lutu Jr. and Bubba Poueu-Luna also were left off the travel roster. All three have been cleared to participate in this week’s game.

Chow said Chris Gant, who did not make the Fresno trip because of an arm issue, will be used on kickoff returns if Edwards is not available. Chinedu Amadi was the kickoff returner in the second half.

Gant is expected to be cleared to practice this week. He was held out of the first two practices last week before being allowed to work out on a limited-contact basis.

Gant will be needed this week while wide receiver Trevor Davis’ status remains iffy. Davis returned to action Saturday after missing the previous two games because of a hamstring injury. He suffered what appeared to be a neck injury against Fresno State. He was taken to an area hospital, where he was diagnosed with "whiplash."

Davis returned to Honolulu with the team on Sunday afternoon, and is scheduled to undergo an MRI this morning.