Tennessee HC Josh Heupel provides update on Nico Iamaleava after the QB was held out of Vols' second scrimmage
When the Tennessee Vols took the field at Neyland Stadium last Thursday for the program's second fall scrimmage, starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava wasn't out there. Iamaleava was held out of the scrimmage after he woke up on Thursday morning with a stomach bug. While Iamaleava's absence wasn't ideal for the Vols, it allowed Tennessee's coaches […]
When the Tennessee Vols took the field at Neyland Stadium last Thursday for the program's second fall scrimmage, starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava wasn't out there.
Iamaleava was held out of the scrimmage after he woke up on Thursday morning with a stomach bug.
While Iamaleava's absence wasn't ideal for the Vols, it allowed Tennessee's coaches and players to face a potential game-day situation that could unexpectedly arise during the 2024 season. It also allowed backup quarterbacks Gaston Moore and Jake Merklinger to get some additional reps.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel spoke to reporters on Monday after Tennessee's 15th fall practice and he offered a positive update on Iamaleava.
"He's fine," said Heupel when asked about Iamaleava. "Had a stomach bug and [he's] been out with us on the field the last couple of days. He's great."
There was never any real concern for Iamaleava when it comes to his availability for the regular season. But anytime a player as talented a Iamaleava misses a scrimmage, it's reminder of just how important he is to this Tennessee team. Moore appears to be a capable backup, and Merklinger continues to improve as a true freshman, but neither of those players are going to impact games in 2024 the same way that Iamaleava can/will.
Fortunately for the Vols, it sounds like Iamaleava's stomach bug issues are in the rear view mirror, which means he shouldn't feel any ill-effects of the late-summer illness when Tennessee kicks off the 2024 regular season on August 31 against Chattanooga.
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