Tennessee is set to open the season in a few hours on the road at South Carolina but the Volunteers will take the field without senior lineman Darel Middleton.

The defensive lineman announced the news himself on Saturday.

Middleton appeared in every game for Tennessee last season, making six starts for Jeremy Pruitt’s defense. During his junior season, Middleton had 28 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack. He also forced a fumble and registered a blocked kick for the Vols.

Here is what Middleton had to say about not being in the lineup in the opener.

“Due to health issues,” Middleton shared. “I want be playing today. But back next week after a couple check ups. Ready to go. Im on the edge of my seat tonight!”

Tennessee and South Carolina are set to kick off from Columbia at 7:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.