  The dynamics of $\eta$ meson produced in proton-induced nuclear reactions via
the decay of N$^{\ast}(1535)$ has been investigated within the Lanzhou quantum
molecular dynamics transport model (LQMD). The in-medium modifications of the
$\eta$ production in dense nuclear matter are included in the model, in which
an attractive $\eta$-nucleon potential is implemented. The impact of the $\eta$
optical potential on the $\eta$ dynamics is investigated. It is found that the
attractive potential leads to the reduction of high-momentum (kinetic energy)
production from the spectra of momentum distributions and inclusive cross
sections and increasing the reabsorption process by surrounding nucleons.
