ESPN report provides new insight into the nature of Tennessee Vols QB Nico Iamaleava's injury
All eyes are on Tennessee Vols starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava this week ahead of a huge showdown in Athens between the Volunteers and the Georgia Bulldogs. Iamaleava didn't play in the second half of Tennessee's 33-14 win against Mississippi State this past weekend due to injury. Vols head coach Josh Heupel told reporters that holding […]
All eyes are on Tennessee Vols starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava this week ahead of a huge showdown in Athens between the Volunteers and the Georgia Bulldogs.
Iamaleava didn't play in the second half of Tennessee's 33-14 win against Mississippi State this past weekend due to injury. Vols head coach Josh Heupel told reporters that holding Iamaleava out of the second half was a "precautionary measure".
The injury that Iamaleava sustained in the first half against Mississippi State was described by the ESPN broadcast as an "upper body injury".
Heupel, however, hasn't elaborated on the nature of Iamaleava's injury.
ESPN's Chris Low reported on Monday that Iamaleava "underwent an evaluation by doctors for what sources told ESPN were concussion-like symptoms".
Heupel told reporters that Iamaleava was "with the team" on Monday while adding that he feels like the redshirt freshman quarterback will be in "great shape" for the matchup against Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs.
"He was with us today, had a really good day," said Heupel when asked about Iamaleava during his weekly press conference. "Feel like he’ll be in great shape for Saturday. But you guys can monitor whatever the report is that comes out on Wednesday and track it through the week. But certainly feel like he’ll be in a good spot.”
Low noted that Tennessee's "main practices" start on Tuesday as the program prepares for Georgia.
From ESPN: Heupel told reporters that Iamaleava was "with the team and had a really good day" Monday morning during team activities and meetings. The main practices start Tuesday. Heupel referenced the SEC availability report, which will first be released Wednesday night, to monitor any updates on Iamaleava as the week progresses.
Tennessee and Georgia are set to kick off at 7:30 PM ET on Saturday in Athens.
