Takk McKinley is still in the long-term plans for the Cleveland Browns despite being away from the team for nearly a month.

McKinley has been away from the team since the end of July for an undisclosed reason. The Browns and head coach Kevin Stefanski have been mum about his status, although they’re hopeful he’ll rejoin the team before the start of the season.

Stefanski was asked about McKinley during this week and maintained a similar silence on the topic.

“I do not have an update there,” said Stefanski, who said previously he was hopeful that McKinley would rejoin the team. “I am just going to keep that between Takk and myself.”

Stefanski isn’t just spewing out the company line on McKinley. The Browns have been very compassionate about McKinley’s situation and he still factors into their plans for the season, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

McKinley, the Browns’ No. 3 defensive end heading into camp, remains firmly in the Browns’ plans this season, and they’re eager to get him back.