Stanford will likely be without one of its top playmakers for the season opener Friday against Kansas State.

Bryce Love, who averaged 10.8 yards per touch last season as a running back and receiver, is “unlikely” to play, coach David Shaw said Monday.

Love, who suffered a lower-body injury during training camp, is considered central to eighth-ranked Stanford’s efforts to take the pressure off new quarterback Ryan Burns and tailback Christian McCaffrey, a Heisman Trophy contender.

Cameron Scarlett, a redshirt freshman, is expected to take on a greater role if Love can’t play.

Shaw also announced that tight end Dalton Schultz will be available.