Friday Night Lights' Jesse Plemons Not Returning for Final Season

The Dillon Panthers are losing a very valuable player.

Friday Night Lights' Jesse Plemons is not returning for the show's fifth season, EW reports.

"We feel we didn't have substantial enough storylines to justify keeping such an immensely talented actor from pursuing what we know will be continue to be a very successful career," executive producer Jason Katims told EW. "Jesse has created one of Friday Night Lights' finest and most beloved characters, and I can tell you this was not an easy decision."

Friday Night Lights set to end after fifth season

However, Katims says this may not be the last fans see of the 21-year-old actor's character, Landry. "We hope he will come back for the season opener and several episodes later in the season, depending on his availability," Katims said.

Cast member Zach Gilford also recently left the show.

Production on the series' fifth season begins next month, EW reports. The fourth season, which recently wrapped up on DirecTV, will premiere on NBC on April 30.

Are you sad about Plemons' departure?