Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava injury status updated ahead of Georgia game

Tennessee's star freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava left the Mississippi State game early. It was unclear why or how long he could potentially be out, but we didn't see Nico during the entire second half, not even on the sidelines. 

We later learned that he had entered concussion protocol, and it was unclear whether he would play against Georgia. Nico has been listed as questionable on the SEC availability report throughout the week, but we finally have a verdict on his availability for Saturday. 

ESPN senior writer Chris Low reported Friday night that Nico has been cleared to play against Georgia after passing concussion protocol and being cleared by the medical staff. Nico has been practicing with the team throughout the week and participating in team periods ahead of Tennessee's primetime matchup against the Bulldogs.

This is huge news for Tennessee in a game that could decide the Vols' fate in the College Football Playoff. A second loss could eliminate Tennessee from the CFP because of the committee's current ranking of teams. Despite the quality loss, the committee would favor a two—or three-loss Alabama, Georgia, or Texas A&M team over a two-loss Tennessee team. 

Vols wide receiver Dont'e Thornton has also been cleared ahead of the Georgia game. Thornton joined Nico on Tennessee's availability report this week, as both were listed as questionable. Despite the bumps and bruises, it looks like Tennessee will be all hands on deck for its biggest game of the year. 

Tennessee confirmed that with the updated availability report, Nico and Thornton will be available for the Georgia game. Both players have been taken off Tennessee's side of the report, leaving just Vysen Lang as questionable heading into Saturday.