KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Coach Josh Heupel has indicated that the sixth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers are likely to have quarterback Nico Iamaleava back in action as they prepare to take on the 11th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday evening.

Iamaleava had to exit last week’s game against Mississippi State, where the Vols secured a 33-14 victory. He departed late in the first half after a significant hit from safety Isaac Smith. At that point, he completed 8 of 13 passes for 174 yards and scored two touchdowns while leading the team 20-7. Backup quarterback Gaston Moore took over to finish out the match.

Heupel mentioned that Iamaleava was present with the team during practice on Monday and had a “really good day.” He expressed confidence in the quarterback’s readiness for the upcoming game.

“I believe he will be in excellent condition for Saturday, but you can keep an eye on the injury status that will be released on Wednesday and track it as the week progresses,” Heupel stated about the Southeastern Conference’s injury protocols. “I truly feel optimistic about where he’s at right now.”

The Volunteers, maintaining a record of 8-1 and 5-1 in the conference, find themselves at the top of the SEC standings alongside No. 15 Texas A&M, which also has one conference loss with a 5-1 record. As for the matchup against Georgia, the Bulldogs are currently favored by 8.5 points, according to BetMGM.com.