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Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava in ‘great shape’ to play against Georgia after reporting head injury (Video)
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Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava in ‘great shape’ to play against Georgia after reporting head injury (Video)

After suffering concussion-like symptoms on Saturday, Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava was in “great shape” to suit up for this week’s SEC matchup against Georgia.

That’s what Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel says. who provided an update on Iamaleava’s condition in Monday’s press conference.

“He was with us today,” Heupel said. “I had a very good day. I feel he will be in great shape for Saturday. You guys can monitor whatever the report is that comes out on Wednesday and follow it throughout the week. But it definitely feels like it’s going to be a good place.”

No. 6 Tennessee will face no. 11 Georgia in Athens on Tuesday night in a game with the potential to knock either team out of the College Football Playoff race. Georgia enters Saturday’s game with a 7-2 record and fresh a 28-10 loss to Mississippi.

Tennessee is 8-1 and in great shape to make the CFP field if it finishes the season without another loss. The Vols close out their regular season against unranked UTEP and Vanderbilt after facing Georgia.

Iamaleava claimed what Tennessee described as an upper body injury in Saturday’s 33-14 win over Mississippi State. On ESPNIamaleava was evaluated by doctors for concussion-like symptoms. It is unclear if he was diagnosed with a concussion.

Heupel did not discuss the details of the injury on monday. Tennessee will release an official injury report on Wednesday.

Iamaleava returned late in the first half after apparently being injured. But he did not play in the second half as backup quarterback Gaston Moore closed out the game.

It is also not clear when Iamaleava suffered the injury. He took two shots in the first inning that caused him to hit his head on the turf.

Heupel said after the game that he expected Iamaleava to be ready for this week’s game against Georgia, a stance he reiterated after practice on Monday. Kickoff against Georgia is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on Saturday.