UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava is out for the Bruins after he suffered an injury in what was a struggling first half against Oregon.
Iamaleava did not come out for the Bruins offense to start the second half for UCLA, with backup Ty Dieffenbach behind center.
It’s unclear why Dieffenbach is in at quarterback for UCLA — whether if it’s because Iamaleava is hurt or for a different pace. Iamaleava turned the ball over three times in the first half of the game on Saturday, Oct. 10, including twice in the last 90 seconds of the second quarter.
Iamaleava also appeared to be injured during that timeframe. He was scrambling on a play when he was tackled by Oregon’s Bear Alexander and Jerry Mixon. During the tackle, it appeared Iamaleava hurt something in his left leg as he stayed on the ground and was attended to by medical personnel.
He was able to get up on his power and actually only missed one play before he returned to the field. On his first play back, he threw an interception.
When asked by CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell what happened to Iamaleava, UCLA coach Bob Chesney said “he’s fine.”
“He just got hit in the quad a little bit. He’s fine,” Chesney said.
He finished the first half 10-for-16 with 162 yards and two interceptions, including a fumble at the UCLA 1-yard line that resulted in Oregon’s lone score of the first half.
Nico Iamaleava injury update
It has not been determined why Iamaleava is no longer in the game. There has been no update to his injury status since the start of the third quarter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nico Iamaleava injury update: UCLA QB doesn’t start second half vs Oregon