Label this a teachable moment for South Carolina sophomore linebacker Skai Moore.

The Gamecocks’ top returning tackler won’t start in Thursday’s season opener against Texas A&M according to defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward.

“He has to get treatment,” Ward said after Tuesday’s practice. “You don’t go to treatment, you don’t play.”

Jonathan Walton will make his first career start in Moore’s place after the Florida native skipped a recent treatment session for an ailing shoulder.

Moore’s time on the sideline isn’t expected to last more than a series or two.