Fox Entertainment Chairman Kevin Reilly declined Thursday to specify how the character would exit, saying he couldn't confirm Finn would be felled by drugs.
The 31-year-old Monteith was found dead in a hotel room in Canada last month. Tests showed his death was caused by a mixture of heroin and alcohol.
Reilly said at a news conference that the show's producers are working out the details for the episode. Public service announcements related to Monteith's death are planned.
Proceeds from music sales for the tribute will go into a fund in Monteith's honor.
The episode will be the third aired in the new season of "Glee," which begins Sept. 26.