After experiencing concussion-like symptoms on Saturday, Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava was “in great shape” preparing for next week’s SEC showdown against Georgia.
That’s according to Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, who provided an update on Iamaleava’s status during his press conference on Monday.
“He was with us today,” Heupel said. “I’ve had a really good day. I feel like he’ll be in top form for Saturday. You guys can keep an eye on the report coming out on Wednesday and follow it all week. But it certainly feels like he’ll be in good shape.” are.” a good place.”
No. 6 Tennessee faces No. 11 Georgia on Tuesday night in Athens in a game with the potential to knock both teams out of the College Football Playoff race. Georgia enters Saturday’s game with a 7-2 record and fresh off a 28-10 loss to Mississippi.
Tennessee is 8-1 and in great shape to make the CFP field if it finishes its season without another loss. The Vols close out their regular season against unranked UTEP and Vanderbilt after facing Georgia.
Did Iamaleava have a concussion?
Iamaleava suffered what Tennessee described as an upper-body injury during Saturday’s 33-14 win over Mississippi State. According to ESPN, Iamaleava was evaluated by doctors for concussion-like symptoms. It is not clear whether he has a concussion.
Heupel did not discuss injury details on Monday. Tennessee will 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 also not clear when Iamaleava suffered his injury. In the first half he had two hits that caused his head to hit the turf.
ESPN reported that this was the play that injured Nico Iamaleava, according to what the broadcast team was told by Tennessee trainers.
Just before the Max, Gilbert kicked a 24-yard field goal.
Iamaleava stayed in the game on the next drive.
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Heupel said after the game that he expected Iamaleava to be ready for next week’s match against Georgia, a stance he reiterated after Monday’s practice session. Kickoff against Georgia is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on Saturday.
