AP

We have seen plenty of notable comebacks from on-field injuries this season, but the story of defensive tackle Amobi Okoye’s return to the NFL might be the most remarkable of all.

It looks like it will end without Okoye playing in a game, however. Todd Archer of ESPN reports that the Cowboys will not add Okoye to the active roster on Thursday, the final day they are eligible to do so before Okoye reverts to injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

Okoye last played in 2012 and was diagnosed last year with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a brain condition that led him to be placed in a medically-induced coma for three months and lose 78 pounds. He was placed on the non-football illness list heading into training camp and began practicing three weeks ago, but progress hasn’t come quickly enough for him to play this season.

Okoye’s return to the field for a game was always a long shot this season, but just making it a possibility shows how far Okoye has come since his illness. He’ll likely continue working for a chance to take the final step in his comeback come 2015.