Syracuse starting strong-side linebacker Jonathan Thomas will not play in SU’s season opener Friday night against Central Connecticut State because of an unspecified team rule violation, SU Athletics confirmed.

Thomas, a senior, started nine of 12 games last season. He finished fifth on the team with 52 tackles.

Junior Kielan Whitner is behind him on the depth chart.

Whitner moved from safety to linebacker this offseason. He started games at both the free and strong safety positions last year. He averaged 3.5 tackles per game in 2016.

Weak-side linebacker Parris Bennett and middle linebacker Zaire Franklin, both seniors, round out the unit. Both recorded at least 100 tackles last season to lead the team.