A preliminary diagnosis showed that University of Hawai'i defensive end Melila Purcell's knee injury is not as severe as originally feared, and that he might miss only one football game.

"That's good news," said Purcell, who was told he probably did not suffer significant damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. "Hopefully, I can rehab through treatment, and by next week I'll be good to go."

Purcell was originally diagnosed with a sprained left knee after he was cut-blocked in the first quarter of the Warriors' 46-14 loss to Louisiana Tech. All knee sprains involve some degree of tearing to a ligament.

Yesterday, he underwent a magnetic resonance imaging, a procedure in which magnetic fields are used to create an image of the body's interior. A preliminary reading of the MRI showed that in the worst-case scenario, he suffered a type-1 sprain of the MCL. In the three-point grading system, Purcell's injury is considered to be "mild."

On Sunday, Purcell was on crutches, with his left knee encased in a brace. "I thought I was going to miss a lot of time," he said. "It felt like it was torn."

Purcell, a 6-foot-5, 266-pound senior, still was on crutches yesterday, saying, "I'm not going to play this week" against New Mexico State.

In UH's new 3-4 defensive alignment, Purcell plays left end, a hybrid position aligned across from the offensive guard or tackle. The left end is required to fend off double blocks — from the guard and tackle, or tackle and tight end — while tracking the running back.

"Mel is consistent," said Vantz Singletary, who coaches the defensive line. "He's by far our most experienced guy. It's hard to replace experience. The thing I love about Mel is he makes everyone around him play better."

Singletary said the defensive staff will wait until the end of Thursday's practice to name the starting left end. "We want to be fair to everybody," Singletary said.

Karl Noa and Jake Ingram finished the Louisiana Tech game at left end. UH defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said nose tackles Renolds Fruean and Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan will move to defensive end. Singletary said Daniel Tautofi, the immediate backup to right end Ikaika Alama-Francis, and nose tackle Lawrence Wilson also will practice at left end.

Although Noa has the most experience playing defensive end, at 6 feet 4 and 240 pounds, he probably is not heavy enough to fight off double blocks for extended periods.

"Karl is a real smart kid," Singletary said. "He does what you tell him to do. He's worked his rear end off to get stronger"

Singletary said he is hopeful Fruean is healthy enough to play. Despite a painful hip flexor, Fruean started at nose tackle in the first two games. In the second game, against Michigan State, Fruean suffered a sprained right ankle, and has not played in a game since.

Fruean earned positive grades in five of the six plays against Michigan State's Chris Morris, an All-Big Ten center.

"He's 6-4, and every bit of 285 (pounds)," Singletary said of Fruean, a junior who played at Washington State as a freshman. "He has plenty of rocks in his pocket. That's what you have to admire about him. He's a strong guy."

But not as strong as Wilson, who can bench press 500 pounds.

Meanwhile, coach June Jones said offensive right tackle Dane Uperesa's availability is "iffy" for this week's game. Uperesa, who is recovering from a sprained right ankle, suffered a sprained left elbow against Louisiana Tech. His left arm was in a sling Sunday and yesterday. Jones said Uperesa's left elbow is "very tender. We'll see how it goes this week."

If Uperesa does not play, right guard Brandon Eaton moves to right tackle, and Marques Kaonohi and Larry Sauafea will rotate at right guard.

Victor "Bully" Fergerstrom, a top special teams player, is expected to miss several games with what is believed to be broken ribs.

Strong safety Lono Manners, who has dislocated fingers on both hands, will play.

"Obviously, you'd like for him to have full use of his fingers," said Rich Miano, who coaches the safeties. "It would help him tackle. He toughs it out."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.