UPDATE: ESPN's Chris Low has reported that Iamaleava has been cleared from the concussion protocol and that he'll be starting vs. Georgia on Saturday night. Look for official word from the Vols to come soon.
The No. 6 Tennessee Vols are ready to make a statement against No. 11 Georgia in Athens. There are too many storylines to follow ahead of kickoff, but the biggest one no question surrounds the status of quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
The redshirt freshman suffered what was first announced as an upper-body injury against Mississippi State. It has since been announced he's in the concussion protocol, working to get back on the field to take on UGA in Athens. So, will the former 5-star signal-caller lead the Tennessee offense out onto the field in primetime later tonight?
Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava is expected to take on Georgia
For now, it remains uncertain whether or not Iamaleava is going to play for sure, but there are several signs pointing in the direction of him suiting up and making plays for Josh Heupel. Potentially the biggest hint we've gotten so far was the fact that he traveled with the team to Georgia.
With video of him hopping on a team bus dropping, fans are convinced Iamaleava is going to play. On top of that, insider Pete Nakos reported Saturday night that he's expected to play per word he got from multiple sources. If a shocker arrives and Iamaleava can't take the field, Gaston Moore will start in his place for Tennessee. Heupel and Tennessee players trust Moore, AKA Gaspipe, to deliver for the offense.
While that may be the case, Iamaleava gives the Volunteers the best chance to win each Saturday and that's 100 percent the case going up against Kirby Smart and Co. Iamaleava has looked better with each week, which only made this injury setback that much worse for him.
In Week 12, though, Tennessee will need him if they want to silence haters across the country who think the Vols aren't for real. In order for that to happen, Iamaleava is going to have to play. Soon enough, we'll know for sure if that will be the case or not.