Nico Iamaleava injury: ESPN insider reports latest update on Week 12 status

Nico Iamaleava was listed as questionable for the upcoming matchup against Georgia recently, but it appears that the outlook has gotten stronger for the Tennessee quarterback moving closer to game day.

ESPN’s Chris Low recently revealed that he expects Iamaleava to take the field unless there is a setback in the coming days. It can be tough to make a final judgment call early on when it comes to concussions and the protocol that surrounds issues of this nature.

“He’s certainly on track and I think he will play,” Low said.

.@ClowESPN said on @JoshandSwain that he expects Nico Iamaleava to play at Georgia unless there’s a setback in the next couple of days — noting the importance of following protocol for head injuries.

“He’s certainly on track to play and I think he will play,” Low said.

— Josh Ward (@Josh_Ward) November 14, 2024

Having Iamaleava back in the fold could be a difference-maker for the Volunteers in what is expected to be a close game in which both teams are vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff. It is a close race right now with Georgia just on the edge at No. 12 overall in the CFP rankings and Tennessee at No. 7.

Iamaleava has thrown for 11 touchdowns and 4 interceptions over 9 games, throwing for 1,879 yards through the air. He has also rushed for 215 yards and a touchdown.

The home stretch of the season will be crucial for both parties, with this one of the most pivotal games of the weekend in that regard across college football.

Georgia and Tennessee are set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 16 in Sanford Stadium.

Crissy Froyd

Crissy covers SEC football news for Saturday Down South.