Tennessee Volunteers starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava suffered an injury during the program’s Week 11 SEC matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. What happened to the redshirt freshman, and who replaced him?
Latest Nico Iamaleava Injury Update
When the Vols’ offense took the field after halftime, there was an obvious absence: Iamaleava. According to the broadcast, the starting QB suffered an upper-body injury late in the second quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
It’s unclear when Iamaleava, but he did take a shot to the chest area on a 3rd and 4 with under a minute left in the second quarter.
If folks were wondering where Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava might’ve gotten hurt, here’s the most likely answer 👇
🎥: @gmannVOLS pic.twitter.com/cquPxFrdJK
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) November 10, 2024
With Tennessee up 23-7 against Mississippi State, who is 2-7 on the year, the Vols are likely not risking their star passer. However, it will be important to monitor Iamaleava throughout the week, with a road trip against the Georgia Bulldogs next up on the schedule.
Who Is Tennessee Backup QB Gaston Moore?
With Iamaleava out, backup QB Gaston Moore, a redshirt senior who transferred from UCF in 2021, took over under center.
Moore played early in the year against Chattanooga and Kent State, completing 11 of 16 passes for 163 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
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He entered Teneessee’s ranked-conference battle with Alabama later in the year for one game, throwing an interception on 3rd and 9 with Iamaleava in the medical tent.
Gaston then exited the lineup on the following drive, with Iamaleava popping back onto the field.
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