Wisconsin is unsure if its top running back, Corey Clement, will be able to play against the University of Hawaii on Saturday, Badgers coach Paul Chryst said Monday.

“He’s making progress,” Chryst said at a campus press conference. “We’ll see how this week goes with him. But he was certainly encouraged.”

The 5-foot, 11-inch, 219-pound junior backed up Heisman Trophy finalist Melvin Gordon last year and was to be the Badgers’ featured back this season until suffering a groin injury just before the season opener. Clement saw limited action against Alabama and has not played in the past two games.

Clement has run for 1,496 yards and 16 touchdowns at Wisconsin. He has had seven 100-yard games and averages 7 yards a carry.

Taiwan Deal (36 carries, 143 yards, two touchdowns) and Dare Ogunbowale (33 carries, 198 yards and two TDs) have handled the running game in Clement’s absence.

The Badgers (2-1) are a 25-point favorite over UH (2-1) on the Las Vegas betting line.

Chryst praised Kapolei High graduate Micah Kapoi, a 6-foot, 3-inch, 330-pound freshman right guard who got his first start for the Badgers in the 28-3 victory over Troy.

“I thought Micah did some really good things,” Chryst said. “I thought it was fun to see him play and I thought he kinda of turned it loose at times. I think that will only improve with rotation.”