In a twist no Chicago P.D. fan saw coming, Patrick John Flueger — who’s played Officer Adam Ruzek since the show’s very first season — is taking an unexpected leave of absence from the hit NBC drama, reportedly due to a deeply personal matter. The news broke quietly but has sent shockwaves through the One Chicago fandom, with many now wondering what this means for both Ruzek’s storyline and the future of the beloved Burzek relationship.
According to insiders close to production, Flueger’s departure was “sudden but necessary,” with filming adjustments already underway to accommodate his absence. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” one insider revealed. “Patrick has been the heart of P.D. for over a decade, and everyone — cast, crew, fans — is feeling this one. But right now, he needs to step back and take care of himself.”
NBC has yet to release an official statement detailing the reason behind his leave, but multiple sources confirm it’s related to “a private personal issue” and not creative differences or contract disputes. “The show fully supports him,” one executive assured. “Patrick is family. He’ll always have a home here.”
Fans have immediately flooded social media with messages of love and concern, trending the hashtag #WeLoveYouPatrick within hours of the announcement. “He’s the soul of Chicago P.D. — it won’t be the same without him,” one fan wrote on X. Another added, “Whatever he’s going through, we just hope he’s okay. He’s given us 12 years of incredible storytelling. He deserves all the time he needs.”
Flueger’s absence comes at a particularly emotional time for Chicago P.D., as the current season has leaned heavily on Ruzek’s evolving relationship with Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati) after their long-awaited reunion. Insiders say the writers are now “reworking key storylines” to handle his temporary exit, with several episodes being rewritten in real time. “They want to honor both Patrick and Ruzek in a way that feels organic,” said one production source. “They’re not killing him off or writing him out — just giving him space, both on-screen and off.”
Behind the scenes, Flueger’s co-stars have reportedly been “incredibly supportive.” Jason Beghe (Hank Voight) was among the first to reach out publicly, posting a simple but powerful message on Instagram: “Take the time you need, brother. We got you.” Marina Squerciati also shared a heartfelt post, writing, “Love you, partner. Always.” Fans quickly filled the comments with emotional responses, praising the cast’s closeness and calling it proof that One Chicago truly is a family.
This isn’t the first time the franchise has navigated sudden cast changes — from Jesse Lee Soffer’s unexpected departure to Tracy Spiridakos’s emotional farewell — but insiders insist this case feels different. “This isn’t about contracts or creative burnout,” one NBC source emphasized. “It’s real life. And sometimes real life needs to come first.”
Though Flueger hasn’t personally commented yet, sources close to the actor describe him as “grateful for the support” and planning to return “as soon as he’s ready.” For now, the show will reportedly give Ruzek a storyline explanation that leaves the door wide open for his return — one that’s “heartfelt and respectful,” according to the writers’ room.
Fans, meanwhile, are already speculating how P.D. will handle his absence. Some believe his character might go undercover again, others think he’ll take a break from Intelligence to focus on family — particularly his daughter, Mikayla. Whatever the creative solution, viewers agree on one thing: the show won’t feel the same without him.
Patrick John Flueger’s portrayal of Adam Ruzek has been a cornerstone of Chicago P.D. since the pilot — a character defined by loyalty, heart, and messy humanity. His chemistry with Squerciati’s Burgess helped anchor the emotional core of the series, making “Burzek” one of the most beloved ships in NBC drama history.
And though his sudden break leaves a hole in both the team and the fandom, one thing’s certain — Chicago P.D. won’t turn its back on him. “Patrick is a fighter,” said one longtime crew member. “He’s been through tough stuff before, and he always comes back stronger. When he walks back onto that set, it’s going to be one hell of a moment.”
Until then, fans are holding out hope and sending love his way. As one tweet summed it up perfectly: “Take your time, Patrick. Chicago will still be here when you’re ready to come home.” 💙
