Nico Iamaleava injury status: Tennessee issues update on star QB ahead of Georgia game
Nico Iamaleava is officially listed as questionable for this week’s marquee matchup between Tennessee and Georgia.
Iamaleava did not play in the second half of Tennessee’s win vs. Mississippi State last weekend due to a concussion. Coach Josh Heupel has expressed confidence throughout the week that Iamaleava would be able to play on Saturday vs. the Bulldogs, however.
Here’s a look at Tennessee’s availability report:
If Iamaleava can’t go on Saturday, it would be a huge blow for the Volunteers. Although it hasn’t been a perfect debut season for him, Iamaleava has moved the ball more efficiently as the season has gone on. He’s now averaging 8.5 yards per attempt, which ranks 4th amongst qualified SEC quarterbacks.
Tennessee’s backup quarterback is Gaston Moore, who has produced some mixed results in relief of Iamaleava this season. He’s completed 16-of-25 passes for 201 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions so far this season.
Tennessee will be looking for its first win over Georgia since 2016. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night.
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This time of year it is all about depth and the quality of the backups. UGA has certainly be very successful in recruiting and their team is deep. UT is finally starting to get the depth necessary to compete when starters go down. Should be a great game. Hopefully the zebras are invisible and no one gets injured.
I think Nico will be good to go Saturday.
Vols 24 – dogs 13
It’s always something.
Nico will be fine.
UGA 35- UT 10
If it rains-
UGA 42 UT 3
What’s more concerning is 4 of Georgia’s running backs are on the list. Open campus tryouts for running back before Saturday?
I just noticed Cash Jones on the list, what happened to him?
If he is in concussion protocol like the rumors say, neither he nor the coaches will have any say as to whether he plays. Per SEC concussion rules, he will have to be cleared by SEC doctors in order to play.
Wonder how much that costs?
I don’t think he plays. Nico’s family is going to have a lot of say in this decision. If he was a senior with limited pro prospects he would probably suit it up, but being a red shirt freshman with a lot of playing time ahead of him I would lean toward him sitting this one out. There is a pretty high probability of taking hits in this game, they might have him listed as the backup if the game is tight and Moore goes down. I don’t see Georgia having a great game and may actually look bad but still pull it off. UGA 20- UT 13
There’s another side to this coin, if UTV wins they can punch their CFP ticket so why wouldn’t he play if he can?
There is a possibility that this loss might have an * next to it in the playoff committee’s eye and vols would stay in the top 12 or just outside of it if we were to lose without our starting QB.
Ask Florida St how that turned out!
The Volunqueers are going to get curb stomped this weekend!