UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is reportedly out for the season with a leg injury, in a major twist to the Bruins season.
Bruins coach Bob Chesney will address the media in the afternoon on Monday, Oct. 12, where his status is expected to be confirmed. UCLA is unbeaten in five games since Chesney took over this season and is ranked No. 12 in the US LBM Coaches Poll
The news was first reported by CBS Sports
. .The injury happened late in the second quarter of the win against Oregon. Iamaleava scrambled and was tackled by Ducks defenders Bear Alexander and Jerry Mixon..
On the tackle, Iamaleava’s left leg looked to get twisted and he was in immediate pain as he stayed on the ground while he was attended to
Iamaleava ended up missing just one play,
returning to the field before throwing the interception. Chesney said on the CBS broadcast going into halftime that his quarterback was good, but he didn’t come out with the team to start the third quarter.
He later emerged without his jersey and was on the sideline for the remainder of the game.
Nicol Iamaleava injury impact
The loss of Iamaleava a big blow for the Bruins after starting the season 5-0 with significant hope coming into the campaign due to the return of their starting quarterback.
UCLA has two options at backup quarterback in Ty Dieffenbach and Iamaleava’s younger brother, Madden.as it hopes to keep winning and stay in the College Football Playoff race.
Madden Iamaleava came in for relief in the season-opening win against California and has made other appearances when his older brother was unavailable. However, UCLA rolled with Dieffenbach against Oregon, as Chesney said the backup competition was on a week-to-week basis.
UCLA’s next game is Saturday, Oct. 17 against Wisconsin.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nico Iamaleava out for season, dampening UCLA's College Football Playoff hopes | Report
