Another test today on Hinds’ right knee

ELY -- UNLV quarterback Rocky Hinds' visit with his Southern California doctor Tuesday was encouraging, but there will be one more test today on his right knee.

Rebels coach Mike Sanford said the test will compare the strength of Hinds' surgically repaired knee to his left one. Hinds is expected to return to Ely tonight.

While saying, "I think he's going to be OK," Sanford was mostly cautious about Hinds' status. The junior underwent surgery in January to repair his anterior cruciate ligament.

Hinds might have more to worry about than his knee. Redshirt freshman Travis Dixon was sharp in Tuesday morning's scrimmage, throwing touchdown passes on four consecutive drives against the first-team defense.

On one, with senior linebacker Beau Bell in his face, Dixon completed a 7-yard scoring pass to senior tight end Chris Butler. Dixon also threw a 6-yard TD pass to senior receiver Aaron Straiten, who leaped high over two defenders in the corner of the end zone.

Sanford reiterated that he wasn't joking when said the QB job was open entering camp.

"I think (Dixon) had a tremendous scrimmage today, and he showed that he can very seriously be our starting quarterback," Sanford said.

• MORE SCRIMMAGE -- Sanford said he thought the first-team offense outplayed the first-team defense and that the second-team defense outshined the second-team offense in an intense scrimmage.

Asked if he was pleased with the energy, Sanford said, "Extremely."

Perhaps the play of the day occurred when tailback Frank Summers broke two tackles and ran 89 yards for a touchdown.

• INJURY UPDATE -- Junior defensive lineman Jeremy Geathers (pinched nerve, slight concussion) and senior defensive end Elton Shackelford (groin) did not practice. They are expected to return later this week. Redshirt freshman defensive end Isaako Aaitui (shoulder) and sophomore defensive lineman Ronald Boone (calf) were injured, though it was not known how severely.

• EXTRA YEAR -- Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Malo Taumua was granted an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA. He played in the first three games last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

• COMMITMENT -- James Lewis (6 feet, 210 pounds), recruited as an athlete from Arizona Western College in Yuma, committed to UNLV.

Lewis said he would enroll at the College of Southern Nevada and sign in December with the Rebels.