Chicago Fire season 13 has returned from its winter break with a storyline that feels like it was tailor-made for the return of Jesse Spencer’s Matt Casey. While the fan-favorite firefighter hasn’t been part of Firehouse 51 since season 10—aside from special appearances—recent events in Cruz’s storyline could finally open the door for Casey’s much-anticipated comeback.
Casey’s History With Firehouse 51
Casey left Chicago back in season 10, moving to Oregon to act as legal guardian to Andrew Darden’s sons after their mother was arrested. Since then, he’s popped back into the series for big moments, including working on a terrorism task force and, most recently, marrying Sylvie Brett in season 12.
But since the wedding, both Casey and Brett have been absent from Firehouse 51. That might not last much longer, though, thanks to Joe Cruz’s spiraling new storyline.
Cruz’s Past Comes Back to Haunt Him
Back in season 1, Cruz made the difficult decision to leave gang leader Flaco to die in a fire. Over a decade later, Flaco’s cousin was released from prison and immediately blackmailed Cruz, forcing him into criminal activity.
In season 13, episode 9, Cruz was coerced into helping steal money from other criminals. The heist went south, ending in a shootout that left Junior (Flaco’s cousin) dead and Cruz wounded. Now Cruz is left shaken, injured, and carrying a dangerous secret he hasn’t shared with anyone in the firehouse.
Why Casey’s Return Makes Perfect Sense
Cruz’s guilt and secrecy set the perfect stage for Casey’s reappearance. Back when Cruz struggled with his past crimes, Casey was the one person he confided in. Their bond was rooted in trust, leadership, and loyalty—qualities Cruz desperately needs right now.
Even if Jesse Spencer doesn’t fully return, a phone call from Casey could provide the grounding and advice Cruz needs to pull himself out of this mess. Bringing him back in person, however, would give fans the reunion they’ve been craving and highlight the unbreakable bond of Firehouse 51.
What the Cast Thinks
Joe Miñoso, who plays Cruz, recently admitted that Casey is the most logical person for Cruz to turn to. Speaking to Cinemablend, he explained:
“Jesse Spencer [as] Casey was the one who he really tried to confess to and really knows, but he’s long gone. The new people in the firehouse have no clue, and I think he wants to keep it that way.”
Miñoso hinted that Severide might end up stepping in, since he’s “nosy and intuitive,” but the door remains wide open for Casey to return.
Will Season 13 Bring Casey Back?
If NBC decides to bring Spencer in for another appearance, now would be the ideal time. Cruz’s arc ties directly to Casey’s history, and Casey’s presence could help Cruz find redemption while delivering fans a powerful reunion.
Even if Casey doesn’t return right away, season 13 has certainly set the groundwork for his re-entry into Firehouse 51—proving once again that in Chicago Fire, the past is never really behind you.
