The status of junior Omari Palmer for Friday’s season opener against Villanova is uncertain, head coach Scott Shafer said during the Atlantic Coast Conference coaches’ teleconference on Wednesday.

“Well, I don’t know yet,” Shafer said when asked if Palmer was good to go. “We’re going to figure that out when we kick it off.”

The reporter asking the question referred to a “minor knee issue” as the injury.

Syracuse is already without senior guard Nick Robinson, a starter last season, due to a sprained foot. In the event Palmer can’t play, Shafer said that starting center John Miller can also play guard and guards Rob Trudo and Alex Hayes can line up at center.

Said Shafer: “Just looking forward to getting them on the field and seeing where we’re at. But Omari had a real good camp.”