Tommy Tuberville dismissed rumors that injured linebacker Tray Blackmon is no longer a member of the team or attending classes at school.

"He's going to class," Tuberville said after Wednesday's practice. "He wanted to get a part-time job because he's got some kids. That's what he needed to do."

Tuberville did not say for certain that Blackmon would return next year.

"I'm sure he'll make his decision after the first of the year what he wants to do – whether he'll stay in school or (leave)," Tuberville said. "That's a personal decision for him. He's got to make it for what's best for his family.

"I think a lot of times when guys get injured they tend to look at the other side: 'Do I need to keep doing this?' But he's a football player, and I think he'll make a decision based on his future, and for his family. We'll be supportive of it."

Blackmon suffered a broken wrist against LSU on Sept. 20 and had season-ending surgery following the Arkansas game a few weeks later.

Rumors began to surface earlier this week that Blackmon was no longer a part of the team after he was not spotted on the sideline for the UT Martin game. Tuberville said Blackmon hasn't been to any of the games since having surgery.

Blackmon hasn't been around Auburn's practice facility, since there isn't much he can in terms of rehab at this point.