Syracuse running back Steve Rene is out for the rest of the 2012 season due to an upper-body injury that required surgery, SU Athletics announced in a press release Tuesday.

Rene, who saw action in five games as a kick and punt returner, will undergo surgery on Nov. 27. Team physician Dr. Irving Raphael will carry out the procedure, and Rene will be evaluated throughout the rehabilitation process. Whether or not he can participate in spring football will be determined in March 2013, according to the release.

Rene battled injury throughout preseason camp and during the season, and he finished with eight punt returns for one yard and nine kick returns for 193 yards. Rene hadn’t played in the Orange’s last three games.

SU strong safety Ritchy Desir leads the team with 19 punt returns for 100 yards while wide receiver Jeremiah Kobena has been the team’s primary kick returner, with 20 returns for 386 yards.