Nico Iamaleava injury update: Latest news on Tennessee QB's status vs. Georgia

The biggest game on college football's Week 11 slate is expected to take place in the SEC when No. 12 Georgia hosts No. 7 Tennessee as both battle for positioning in the postseason. Entering the game, the biggest question around each team involves the two starting quarterbacks — but for different reasons.

While Georgia's Carson Beck looks to rebound from a stretch of turnover-heavy play, Tennessee's Nico Iamaleava might not even get a chance to play in the game. The redshirt freshman is currently in concussion protocol, and it's unclear whether he will be cleared in time to play.

Here's the latest on Iamaveala's status ahead of the key SEC matchup.

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Nico Iamaleava injury update

Iamaleava is expected to return to the field on Saturday, according to ESPN's Chris Low.

The Volunteers star was placed in concussion protocol after taking a big hit in the first half of last week's games against Mississippi State. The quarterback did not return to the game in the second half, failing to even come out onto the sideline when the game resumed after the break.

On Wednesday, head coach Josh Heupel said Iamaleava was improving but the team had to see how he progresses through the week.

"Nico has been good here in the early part of the week," Heupel said. "And at this point in the week, I'll refer everybody to the availability report that comes out later tonight."

He was subsequently listed as questionable on Wednesday's injury report. However, it seems Iamaleava has cleared any potential hurdles and will take his role under center when the Volunteers face off with Georgia on Saturday.

Tennessee QB depth chart

If he clears concussion protocol, Iamaleava will likely regain his spot atop the Volunteers' quarterback depth chart. The redshirt freshman has started all nine games this year and totaled 1,879 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns, and four interceptions.

If Iamaleava can't play, redshirt senior Gaston Moore will likely make his first start of the season, as the UCF transfer has played in five games this year and produced 201 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Last week, after Iamaleava left the game, Moore completed 5-of-8 passes for 38 yards as Tennessee leaned on the ground game, running the ball 57 times in the game.

Merklinger is a true freshman who has appeared in two games this year, completing six passes for 48 yards on the season.