Wayne Simien was happy Monday to shed the hard cast that extended from his left thumb all they way up his forearm.

“Now I have mobility. I can dribble, pass, catch. I’m on my way back,” said Kansas University’s senior power forward who had surgery on his nonshooting hand 15 days ago.

On his way back doesn’t mean he’s back. Simien said Monday he would not play Wednesday against Texas A&M or Sunday at Kentucky.

“I don’t think I’ll be playing on Sunday. It’s what the doctors say,” Simien said. “I guess I’m out a little longer. They did say I was coming along faster than they expected. That’s always good news.

“They didn’t say much about a timetable. I’m optimistic. I feel good. I’ll see how the soft cast feels.”

After Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech, Simien said he hoped to be back for Kentucky.

“I was just believing for the best. It didn’t work out that way,” Simien said.

The original prognosis had Simien missing between four and six weeks — likely at least six games.

“I talked to Wayne today and said, ‘Thanks, Wayne, I only had to answer about 25 phone calls (after Simien said he wanted to play at UK),'” KU coach Bill Self said. “He said, ‘I’m sorry, coach. I’m just ready.’ I said, ‘I know you are ready. We’ve got to let Mother Nature take its course.’

“I won’t say absolutely, positively, but I cannot see it happening,” Self added of Simien playing Sunday. “If you’ve ever broken your thumb — which I have — it takes a long time to get it back.”

6Sports video: Kansas’ battle against Georgia Tech dubbed ‘instant classic’ 6Sports video: Simien wants to play, but will have to wait 6Sports video: Jayhawks prove they can win without Simien KU still No. 2 in AP poll Hear Bill: Jan. 3 press conference Chat with coach Self on Tuesday

Simien said he might suit up for upcoming games even if he doesn’t play.

“I’m always trying to do extra,” Simien said.

• Kaun suffers infection: Center Sasha Kaun didn’t practice Monday after suffering an infection following root-canal surgery. Kaun, who has swelling on the right side of his face, should be able to play Wednesday.

• Langford honored: Guard Keith Langford, who made the game-winning basket in Saturday’s victory over Georgia Tech, has been named ESPN.com national player of the week and Big 12 Conference co-player of the week. Texas’ P.J. Tucker shared the league honor with Langford.

• RPI update: KU is No. 1 in the country’s RPI ratings and second in strength of schedule this week. Wednesday’s foe, Texas A&M (11-0), which is coached by Billy Gillispie, is 124th with a strength of schedule of 325 out of 330 teams. Gillispie was on Self’s staffs at Tulsa and Illinois.