Chicago Fire Season 14 Sets the Stage for the Return of a Key Character md06

“Chicago Fire has seen one too many exits in the past couple of seasons, but on the bright side, the second episode of season 14 has laid the groundwork for one character’s return. The series is no stranger to cast departures. Chicago Fire has lost many beloved firefighters and paramedics over the years, and three more were added to the list in 2025.

A couple of weeks ahead of the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, NBC announced that two series regulars were leaving — Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter and Jake Lockett as Sam Carver. A few months later, reports stated that Michael Bradway, who played Jack Damon, also wouldn’t return. However, Kyri surprisingly reprised his role as Ritter in Chicago Fire season 14.

Ritter Takes A Furlough To Be With Dwayne In Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 2

Dwayne Got Shot During The Season 14 Premiere

Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic

At the end of Chicago Fire season 13, viewers learned that Carver was transferring to the Denver Fire Department to get a fresh start (although he still loved Violet Mikami). Meanwhile, Mouch casually revealed that Damon had been transferred to a different firehouse in the season 14 premiere. As for Ritter, though, he had no plans of leaving Firehouse 51 until tragedy struck.

Ritter learned from Mouch that Dwyane Morris, his ex-boyfriend who had moved to New York City, had been shot while in the line of duty. Kyri’s Chicago Fire character, who evidently still has feelings for his former lover, immediately hopped on a plane to see Dwayne in the hospital. Ritter was by his bedside when he woke up, and thankfully, Dwayne survived.

Ritter returned to the Windy City in Chicago Fire season 14, episode 2, after Dwayne recovered from his gunshot wound. However, it was clear that he was torn. Ritter and Dwayne previously broke up in season 13 because the former was afraid to commit to their relationship fully and move in together. After Dwayne almost died, though, Ritter rethought his decision.

Ritter had a discussion with Dwayne, and the two men decided to work on their relationship. The only way to do so, though, was for the firefighter to take a furlough and stay in New York City for a bit. Ritter and Dwayne still love each other, which is why they made this decision. So, Ritter left Chicago and traveled east to be with Dwayne in “Primary Search.”

Daniel Kyri Could Easily Rejoin The Chicago Fire Cast Permanently

The Door Is Wide Open For The Actor’s Return

While it was sad to see Ritter go, especially after 2025’s other two character exits, Chicago Fire season 14, episode 2 didn’t completely close the door on his character’s story. He didn’t completely quit his job with the Chicago Fire Department. Instead, Ritter simply took a furlough, suggesting that he will inevitably reunite with his Firehouse 51 family in future episodes.

Even if Ritter is leaving the One Chicago universe for good, the show must bring him back to bid him farewell. His final scene in “Primary Search” didn’t feel like an actual goodbye. He’s only on furlough. Consequently, it feels like Ritter plans on returning to Chicago one day, perhaps with Dwayne in tow. If he’s not, though, Chicago Fire must give him a proper sendoff.

On the other hand, the door is technically open for Ritter to return to Chicago Fire permanently, maybe as early as this season. As mentioned above, Ritter and Dwayne could easily decide to resume their life back in Chicago and leave New York City together. It would only be right for Kyri’s character to resume his role at Firehouse 51 if that happens.

Since the One Chicago show didn’t actually say goodbye to Ritter during season 14, episode 2, it seems as if the writers are intentionally leaving the door open for Ritter’s return. It was reportedly NBC’s decision to boot Kyri from Chicago Fire due to budget cuts. So, the writers and producers may be hopeful that they can get Kyri back as a series regular.

Will Ritter Return In Chicago Fire Season 14?

The Odds Of Ritter Appearing Again In Season 14 Are High

NBC

After watching his “sendoff” in Chicago Fire season 14’s second episode, the possibility of Ritter’s return is higher than ever. It also helps that those behind the camera are hopeful that Kyri can come back. During an interview with TV Insider after the season 14 premiere, showrunner Andrea Newman discussed Ritter’s exit and when his last episode would be. She said:

“[Ritter’s] there at the beginning of the season, and we hope to see him back at some point later in the season. This is what we do on Chicago Fire. We’ll say our goodbyes, and then we’ll see people again. And he’s certainly very much still in the lives of all of us.”

Newman didn’t confirm that Kyri would reprise his role as Ritter in later Chicago Fire season 14 episodes. However, her hope that he will return is promising. Nothing is official, but fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Ritter back during the season’s second half, even if it’s only for an episode or two.

Whatever the case, the NBC procedural drama has undoubtedly paved the way for Kyri’s return. It seems inevitable at this point. As such, Chicago Fire fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Ritter again in season 14.