UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava went down with an injury late in the Bruins season opener against California.
The signal-caller went down with five minutes left in the game after he converted a third-down play with his legs. He got tackled and fumbled the ball and was able to recover it, but was severely struggling to get up. He limped on the field before he went back down and needed help from UCLA’s support staff.
Nico Iamaleava is hurt on the play
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The injury happened as UCLA was up 31-24, and eventually scored on the drive to go up 38-24.
Nico Iamaleava injury updates
It appeared to be a right ankle injury for Iamaleava as he headed back to the locker room.
However, Iamaleava came back in on UCLA’s ensuing drive, and one play was needed
for Anthony Woods’ 53-yard touchdown run to make it a 45-24 game and punctuate a win.
While the severity is unknown, it was a relief for UCLA fans to see its quarterback return as it looked to be a serious injury.
Iamaleava has been the star of the offense. The elder Iamaleava brother was 14-for-22 with 184 passing yards and one interception, with 29 yards on the ground on nine carries and a rushing score.
Who is UCLA backup quarterback?
Coincidentally, UCLA’s backup is Iamaleava’s younger brother, Madden Iamalaeava. He’s in his second season with the program after joining last season alongside his older brother.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nico Iamaleava injury update: UCLA QB helped to medical tent in Cal game
