A day after Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel predicted that quarterback Nico Iamaleava would be in “great shape” for Saturday’s game at Georgia, a report has cast some doubt on that assessment.
According to ESPN’s Pete ThamelIamaleava is in concussion protocol after leaving Saturday’s game against Mississippi State with what the program called an upper-body injury. According to the report, Iamaleava suited up and practiced on Tuesday. His status for Saturday’s matchup against Georgia is unclear.
On Monday, Heupel painted an optimistic picture about the status of his quarterback, who missed the second half of Saturday’s game after suffering his injury.
“He was with us today,” Heupel said. “I had a really good day. I feel like he’ll be in great shape for Saturday. You guys can monitor any reports that come out on Wednesday and follow him throughout the week. But he certainly feels like he’s in shape.” a good place.”
No. 6 Tennessee will take on No. 11 Georgia in Athens on Tuesday night in a game with the potential to eliminate either team from the College Football Playoff race. Georgia comes into Saturday’s game with a 7-2 record and fresh off a 28-10 loss to Mississippi.
Tennessee is 8-1 and in excellent shape to enter the CFP field if it finishes its season without another loss. The Vols close their regular season against unranked UTEP and Vanderbilt after facing Georgia.
Iamaleava suffered what the team considered an upper-body injury in the first half of Saturday’s 33-14 victory over Mississippi State. According to ESPNIamaleava was evaluated by doctors for concussion-like symptoms.
Heupel did not discuss specific details of the injury on Monday or speak to the media on Tuesday. Tennessee is scheduled to release an official injury report on Wednesday.
Iamaleava returned late in the first half after apparently suffering the injury. But he didn’t play in the second half as backup quarterback Gaston Moore closed out the game.
It is unclear when Iamaleava suffered his injury. He took two hits in the first half that caused his head to hit the grass.
ESPN reported that this was the play on which Nico Iamaleava was injured, according to what Tennessee coaches told the broadcast team.
Just before, Max Gilbert kicked a 24-yard field goal.
Iamaleava stayed in the game on the next drive.
https://t.co/JLYBPf8HtS pic.twitter.com/dgRP4sgaDk
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) November 10, 2024
Heupel said after the game. that he expected Iamaleava to be ready for this week’s game against Georgia, a stance he reiterated after Monday’s practice session. Kickoff against Georgia is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
