The sirens of Chicago have been a little quieter lately, and for fans of Adam Ruzek, the silence was deafening. As of January 2026, a storm of terrifying rumors has surrounded Patrick John Flueger, with headlines screaming about “Terminal Cancer” and a “Hidden Health Crisis” forcing him off the show.
While the internet was ready to mourn the heart of the Intelligence Unit, the truth—revealed as the show returns from its winter hiatus—is a complex story of personal struggle, family tragedy, and a triumphant return to the set that proves Flueger is as much a fighter as Ruzek himself.
1. THE ‘TERMINAL’ HOAX: Debunking the Cancer Rumors
Let’s be absolutely clear: Patrick John Flueger does not have terminal cancer. * The Origin of the Lie: Much like the recent AI-generated “scandals” involving his co-stars, the terminal illness rumor was a viral hoax designed to exploit Flueger’s sudden absence from Season 13 in late 2025.
The ‘Bob’ Connection: The confusion was likely amplified by the heartbreaking on-screen storyline involving Ruzek’s father, “Disco Bob” (Jack Coleman), who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Fans often blur the lines between an actor’s real life and their character’s drama, turning a scripted family illness into a real-life health scare.
2. THE REAL CRISIS: Why Patrick Flueger Actually Left
While the cancer rumors were false, the “personal matter” that led to Flueger’s unexpected leave of absence on October 22, 2025, was very real and deeply serious.
The ‘Difficult Period’: Official reports from Deadline and People confirmed that Flueger stepped away to deal with a “difficult period personally.” This reportedly included a struggle with alcohol use on set, a situation that forced the production to rework scripts and give the actor the time he needed to seek help.
A History of Resilience: Flueger has always been a “workhorse” for the One Chicago franchise. His decision to step away was not a sign of defeat, but a brave move to prioritize his long-term health and stability, much like Taylor Kinney’s hiatus in 2023.
3. THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN: Back on Set for 2026
The best news for the Intelligence Unit came just before the holidays.
The Birthday Celebration: On December 10, 2025, co-star Marina Squerciati shared a joyous video from the Chicago P.D. set. The cast was seen surprising Flueger with a “Happy Birthday Paddy” cake, officially signaling his return to filming.
When Will Ruzek Return? With the winter premiere airing in January 2026, fans can expect to see Adam Ruzek back in action early this season. The show successfully “wrote him out” by explaining he was at a facility caring for his father, Bob, creating a seamless bridge for his return.
4. IS THIS HIS LAST SEASON? The 2026 Verdict
With Flueger back on set and looking “stronger than ever,” the fear that Season 13 is his last has largely dissipated.
The Burzek Future: Now that Ruzek and Burgess are officially married, the writers are reportedly planning a “stabilization arc” for the couple. Instead of more trauma, the 2026 episodes will focus on their new life as a family unit with Makayla.
Patrick’s Commitment: Sources close to the production say Flueger is “re-energized” and committed to seeing Ruzek’s story through to the end.
THE VERDICT: THE PHOENIX OF THE 21ST
Patrick John Flueger isn’t dying; he’s evolving. By facing his personal demons head-on and returning to the “family” at District 21, he has shown a level of strength that exceeds anything we see on television. The terminal rumors were a lie, but the resilience of the man behind the badge is the most inspiring truth of 2026.
