After a 70-minute football practice that spilled into twilight, Hawaii coach Norm Chow came away optimistic for Saturday’s game against Rice in Houston.

"It was a good practice," Chow said of the rare extended Monday practice.

The Warriors usually have weight-training and conditioning drills the Monday of game week. But with a bye last week, the Warriors had three long practices during the week and then took the weekend to rest.

The Warriors spent several five-minute periods on Monday practicing against the scout teams portraying Rice’s offense and defense.

"We got the game plan in," Chow said. "Our scout guys worked awfully hard as well. We got a lot more work in than on a normal Monday."

The Warriors also were able to evaluate and restock key positions.

Tight end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson, who started the opener but missed the next three games because of an ankle injury, practiced Monday. The Warriors did not complete a pass to a tight end in the 21-12 loss to Colorado on Sept. 20.

"I hope we have (Pu‘u-Robinson) back," said Chow, noting the Warriors practiced without pads. "He was in shorts, so you don’t really know. We’ll put on pads (Tuesday) morning, and find out what we have or don’t have."

Chow said Tui Unga, who has rotated between defensive end and tight end, is back on offense.

"Unga has a chance," Chow said.

Chow said a decision will be made on tight end Dakota Torres, a 2014 Punahou School graduate who has not played in a UH game this season. The Warriors probably will craft the 64-player travel roster Tuesday. They depart Wednesday night.

Running back Steven Lakalaka, who is recovering from wear-and-tear ailments, "is back to full speed," Chow said, adding that Lakalaka’s workload was eased last week "to make sure he was healthy."

Diocemy Saint Juste, Jason Muraoka, Justin Vele and Pereese Joas are taking turns as understudy running backs. Vele was used as a fullback, tight end and H-back against Colorado. Joas is a walk-on who was added to the roster during training camp.

"He looked all right," Chow said of Joas.

Joas is on the bubble to make the travel roster. He has been wearing a numberless white jersey the past two practices.

Chow said safety Trayvon Henderson, who did not play against Colorado, is fit to play against Rice.

Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey, who was pulled in the second half of the past two games, has played well in the four practices since the Colorado game, according to the coach.

"We’ll let him go do his stuff," Chow said. "He can do it. I have a lot of confidence in him, lots of confidence."

Taylor Graham has practiced as the No. 2 quarterback and Beau Reilly is No. 3.