In First Performance Since NJ Turnpike Crash, Tracy Morgan To Host 'Saturday Night Live'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Tracy Morgan is going home to "Saturday Night Live" as guest host on Oct. 17.

His appearance also promises to be a coming-out party for the former "SNL" cast member and star of "30 Rock," who has been recuperating from injuries he suffered in a June 2014 crash that also killed a fellow comedian when their limousine was hit by a Walmart truck on the New Jersey Turnpike.

In June, Morgan was interviewed on the "Today" show in his first public appearance since the accident. At that time, he said:, "I can't wait to get back to (comedy), but right now, my goal is just to heal and get better. Because I'm not 100 percent yet. I'm not. And when I'm there, you'll know it. I'll get back to making you laugh. I promise you."

The truck slammed into the back of a limo van carrying Morgan and the others back from a show in Delaware. James "Jimmy Mack" McNair was killed. Morgan suffered head trauma, a broken leg and broken ribs.

Walmart reached a $10 million settlement with McNair's two children in January and a confidential settlement with Morgan in May.

Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board blamed the truck driver's fatigue for the crash, saying Kevin Roper had been awake for 28 straight hours.

Roper, of Jonesboro, Georgia, faces several criminal charges, including death by auto. He has pleaded not guilty.

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