Running back Steven Lakalaka is embracing the light.

A week ago, Lakalaka was being held out of practices while awaiting medical clearance for concussion-like symptoms lingering from the Oct. 11 game against Wyoming.

Two days after that game, Lakalaka passed a baseline exam. He then received clearance on Thursday, the day the Warriors were departing for their road game against San Diego State. His first contact of the week was in the game, when he rushed 16 times for 58 yards in a 20-10 loss.

Lakalaka participated in all the drills during Tuesday’s practice.

"I’m back to normal," he said.

Lakalaka said he was cautious last week because he had suffered two previous concussions — as a senior at Punahou and as a UH freshman during training camp in 2013.

"I knew what the process was going to be," said Lakalaka, who suffered headaches the first two days and sensitivity to light and music’s bass. He said he spent two days indoors, in darkened rooms.

"I just decided to rest instead of fighting through it," Lakalaka said. "Everything is good."

Lakalaka is expected to start in Saturday’s game against Nevada.

Lataimua ready to play

The wait appears over for inside linebacker Tevita Lataimua.

Lataimua has missed four games because of an ankle issue. With Julian Gener and Jerrol Garcia-Williams also out with injuries, inside linebackers Benetton Fonua and Simon Poti have played every defensive down the past two games.

Lataimua appeared ready to play against San Diego State. He was included on the 64-player travel roster. But he did not gain clearance to play, he said, and watched from the sideline.

"Hopefully, I’m back in (the rotation)," Lataimua said following Tuesday’s practice. "The first day of practice was kind of slow, but it was cool. I’m happy to be back with the guys."

On missing the SDSU game, Lataimua said: "I tried to come back a little too early. It wasn’t a good idea."

Lataimua transferred from a junior college in July 2013. He eventually gained playing time in the final two games of the 2013 season. He opened this season as a starter.

"It is what it is," Lataimua said of his abbreviated UH career. "I have to get back ASAP and get healthy. I have to try to come back and help the guys out."

Woolsey healing

Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey has recovered from back soreness and took first-team snaps on Tuesday.

Beau Reilly was the No. 2 quarterback.

Eric Prater took mental reps as the No. 3 quarterback.

UH coach Norm Chow has said that Reilly, a 22-year-old freshman who has not played in a UH game, is not redshirting this season.