Patrick John Flueger Takes Leave of Absence from Chicago P.D. — What It Means for Season 13

Fans of NBC’s Chicago P.D. are in for a major shake-up. Patrick John Flueger, one of the show’s original cast members, is officially stepping away from the hit crime drama for a personal leave of absence. His temporary exit will cause him to miss several episodes of Season 13, leaving viewers wondering how the series will handle his character’s sudden absence.

A Sudden and Unexpected Departure

Flueger, who has portrayed Officer Adam Ruzek since the show’s debut in 2014, is reportedly taking time off to address a personal matter. According to multiple reports, including Deadline, the decision follows a “difficult personal period,” which included an instance of alcohol use on set.

The development has been described as unexpected, prompting the creative team behind Chicago P.D. to rework upcoming scripts to explain Ruzek’s temporary departure. While the exact number of episodes he will miss remains unclear, sources indicate that Flueger is expected to return later this season.

Behind the Scenes: Scripts Being Rewritten

At this point, production on Season 13 is already well underway, though NBC has not confirmed how many episodes have been filmed or when Flueger’s final appearance before his hiatus will air.

Writers are now tasked with crafting a plausible storyline that justifies Ruzek’s absence while preserving continuity within the Intelligence Unit. Given Ruzek’s long-standing importance to the team and his on-again, off-again relationship with Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati), fans are anxious to see how the show handles this major shift.

A History of “One Chicago” Leaves of Absence

Flueger’s leave marks the latest in a series of temporary departures across the One Chicago franchise. In January 2023, Chicago Fire star Taylor Kinney took a ten-month break from filming, missing the final eight episodes of Season 11 before returning for Season 12’s premiere.

More recently, Chicago Med faced a similar situation when longtime cast member Marlyne Barrett stepped away from the series ahead of Season 11. Her character, Maggie, was written out in the premiere episode as she left town — and no return date has been announced.

Flueger’s exit now places Chicago P.D. in the same position, forcing producers to maintain narrative momentum while accommodating a key actor’s personal needs.

How Chicago P.D. Might Write Ruzek Out

While NBC has yet to reveal how Ruzek’s absence will be addressed, one logical option being discussed by fans and insiders alike involves sending the character undercover.

Given Ruzek’s background and history with covert operations, an undercover storyline would allow writers to write him out seamlessly without disrupting existing plotlines. It would also give the show flexibility to bring him back at any time, with occasional updates from team leader Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) about the status of Ruzek’s operation.

This approach would also preserve Ruzek’s relationship with Burgess, avoiding unnecessary emotional fallout. Though the separation could create some tension, it would be consistent with their ongoing support for each other’s professional growth.

A Crucial Moment for the Show

Ruzek has been a cornerstone of Chicago P.D. since its first season. Known for his emotional depth, loyalty, and occasional recklessness, he’s become one of the franchise’s most beloved characters. His absence will undoubtedly be felt within the Intelligence Unit — and among longtime fans.

The timing of this development also adds pressure to the Chicago P.D. writers’ room, as the show continues balancing new cast dynamics with the legacy of its original members. In recent seasons, Chicago P.D. has faced multiple cast changes, from the departures of Jesse Lee Soffer and Lisseth Chavez to shifting focus on newer recruits.

Flueger’s temporary exit now forces yet another adjustment, one that could redefine the team dynamic heading into the back half of Season 13.

The Hope for a Return

Despite the concern surrounding his leave, reports indicate that Flueger fully intends to return once ready. His absence, while significant, is not a permanent exit — and fans can expect his eventual comeback later this season.

For now, NBC and Chicago P.D. have not issued an official statement regarding the matter, and Flueger himself has yet to comment publicly. However, production sources emphasize that the decision was made with mutual understanding and support from both the actor and the network.

The Bigger Picture

The One Chicago universe has always balanced intense storytelling with deep emotional realism, and Flueger’s temporary departure reflects the franchise’s ongoing respect for its cast’s well-being.

As the production team continues to adjust scripts and schedules, fans are rallying behind Flueger with messages of encouragement across social media — a testament to how deeply his portrayal of Ruzek has resonated over the past decade.

For now, viewers can expect to see Adam Ruzek appear in a few more episodes before his storyline transitions. Whether he goes undercover, takes personal leave within the narrative, or vanishes on a high-stakes mission, one thing’s certain: his return will be one of the most anticipated moments in Chicago P.D. Season 13.