Although AMC's The Walking Dead is still a long ways off from its highly anticipated Season 4 premiere, a new still shot has surfaced from its first episode, which is set to air in the fall.

In a picture posted by TVLine, a scruffy and armed Rick (Andrew Lincoln) can be seen nearby a tree in the woods while a female walker stands behind him.

Although the photo doesn't show it, Rick will have even more weight on his shoulders this season as the prison group leader, being that the original clan will now have a large number of former Woodbury residents alongside them as well.

Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl Dixon, sent out a positive message of his own on Twitter regarding the returning episode:

"Episode one is huge. I promise you'll freakout. Gonna be SO GOOD."

That same day, the actor also attached a picture of himself and executive producer/special FX makeup designer Greg Nicotero, along with the following caption:

"Ep 1 is gonna RULE."

The Walking Dead is set to make its return on Sunday, October 14 at 9/8c on the AMC network.

Be sure to check back for more of the latest details on the popular zombie series.  A Season 4 preview video can be watched below.

Tags: The Walking Dead AMC television