Sources: Vols QB Nico Iamaleava cleared to play against Georgia

Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava has been medically cleared to play Saturday against Georgia and is ready to return as the Vols’ starting quarterback, sources told ESPN.

Iamaleava, a redshirt freshman, missed the second half of last week’s 33-14 win over Mississippi State after suffering a blow to the head. He was listed as questionable on the SEC availability report earlier this week, but has been removed in the latest report.

Iamaleava practiced this week, including team periods, and there was optimism among the staff that he was moving in the right direction and would be able to play. But the final call was made by medical staff. Iamaleava was examined by doctors for what sources told ESPN were concussion-like symptoms after leaving the Mississippi State game. He did not return to the sideline in the second half.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said Monday he felt Iamaleava would be in “good shape for Saturday” and noted Iamaleava was with the team earlier Monday morning for meetings and team activities. The Vols’ first full-scale practice was Tuesday.

Iamaleava had his most productive outing against an SEC team this season before leaving the game against Mississippi State. He completed 8 of 13 passes for 174 yards, no interceptions and a pair of touchdowns as Tennessee built a 20-7 halftime lead. In Iamaleava’s previous five SEC games, he had accounted for three touchdowns and turned it over five times. He was also sacked 15 times in those five games.

Redshirt senior Gaston Moore filled in for Iamaleava in the second half last week and finished 5-of-8 for 38 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

Getting Iamaleava back for the Georgia game is big news for Tennessee, which is right in the middle of the SEC championship and College Football Playoff picture.

Receiver Dont’e Thornton (hand) has also been cleared to play for Tennessee after previously being listed as questionable.