The Auburn Tigers received some bad news Monday as they found out that defensive tackle Jeremiah Wright won’t be returning to the team this year.

Wright is still recovering from an ACL injury and although he is progressing, he won’t be back this season.

Wright had surgery in the spring and was clear to run but his participation in the Tigers’ practices has been limited says head coach Bryan Harsin.

“I wish he could (return),” Harsin said, per AL.com. “… He’s out there doing things. Will he be ready to play this year? No, he’s not going to be ready to play this year.”

Harsin said he wants to make sure Wright is fully recovered from his injury before he returns.

“You don’t want to reinjure an ACL; you want to make sure that guys are completely healthy, fully at that full strength, full capacity where they can make all the moves and things they have to do to play at their level,” he said. “But it’s good to see him out there. He’s running with the guys, he’s got pads on. He’s got help. He’s got a helmet on at times, so it’s just good to have him out there.”

Harsin expressed he’s is optimistic about Wright’s return to the team next year.