There is optimism that Joe Benigno could be back on WFAN by next week, but sources emphasized that nothing is concrete.

Benigno, longtime co-host of WFAN’s midday program with Evan Roberts, has been on leave since late July after he was named in a sexual-harassment lawsuit by a former employee of the station.

A return to the station on Tuesday would make sense, as it would follow the Jets’ Monday night opener, which could take the focus off Benigno and more on the team he lives and dies with.

Entercom executives have weighed their decision in part based on the legal consequences. If they keep Benigno off the air, it may look as if they are admitting guilt. The company has denied the allegations and has declined to settle.

Traditionally, summer is when hosts take vacation and then return after Labor Day. To begin last Tuesday’s show with Benigno still absent, Roberts said that he would inform listeners as soon as he had any more information on Benigno’s return.

For business reasons, the more important date for Benigno’s return is Thursday, when the fall ratings book begins.

Neither a spokesperson for Entercom nor Benigno’s agent immediately returned calls for comment.

If Benigno does come back, it still is to be determined for how long. He has talked about retirement for a while and it has been largely believed that his current contract may very well be his last before he hangs up his headset.