Nico Iamaleava injury update: ESPN broadcast gives unfortunate update on Tennessee QB status

There was a surprise to start the second half as Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava did not lead the offense out onto the field. It was later revealed on the ESPN broadcast that Iamaleava suffered an upper body injury and will miss the remainder of the game vs. Mississippi State.

Gaston Moore started the second half in place of the injured Iamaleava. The Volunteers were holding on to a 20-7 lead at the start of the third quarter.

Iamaleava was 8-of-13 passing for 174 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. It’s unclear when he suffered the injury as he played for the entire first half.

Moore is a fifth-year senior who has seen limited action during his time in Knoxville. He had appeared in a total of 12 games prior to Saturday with 235 yards passing and two touchdowns to three interceptions for his career.

Iamaleava, a former five-star recruit in the 2023 cycle, is in his first season as the Tennessee starting quarterback. He has so far thrown for 1,705 yards and nine touchdowns with four interceptions on the season.

We’ll await further update on the QB’s status after the game. Tennessee has a pivotal matchup against No. 3 Georgia next week and will hope Iamaleava can be able to play in that one.

Nico Iamaleava injury update: Josh Heupel reveals positive news on Tennessee QB

Fans were holding their breath for an update on Iamaleava after the 33-14 win and coach Josh Heupel offered one. Fortunately, he had good news.

“We anticipate having him next week,” Heupel said.

The coach added that keeping Iamaleava out of the second half was simply a precautionary measure. The team was still able to get the job done without him and will hope he rests up and gets as healthy as possible before the matchup with Georgia.

Tennessee is one of three one-loss teams remaining in the SEC along with Texas and Texas A&M. If Iamaleava stays healthy, the Vols should have every opportunity to compete for a conference title.