Chicago Fire fans were left puzzled by the absence of a key character in recent episodes of Season 13. Christopher Herrmann, played by David Eigenberg, was missing from Episode 6, “Birds of Prey,” and again from Episode 7, “Untouchable.” It wasn’t until Episode 8, “Quicksand,” that viewers got some good news about the beloved firefighter’s return. Here’s why Herrmann was temporarily out of action and what happened to the actor in real life.
Why Was Herrmann Missing from ‘Chicago Fire’?
The unexpected absence of Herrmann had fans buzzing with theories. Cruz, another main character, reappeared in Episode 7 after a brief break, but Herrmann was still nowhere to be seen. This sparked concern, especially since the show didn’t offer any explanation for his sudden disappearance. Fans took to social media and Reddit to speculate about what might have happened.
In a Chicago Fire Reddit thread, one fan asked, “Did I miss something? Where are Herrmann and Engine 51 in the last episodes?” Another viewer chimed in, revealing a potential clue: “Rumor has it Herrmann is dealing with a leg or knee issue in real life. Maybe he’s benched for a bit.”
The discussion continued, with some suggesting that the writers could have better addressed Herrmann’s absence. “They could’ve explained it with a storyline where Herrmann got suspended after a classic rant or had an off-screen injury,” one fan proposed. Others agreed, pointing out that it felt odd to simply leave his character out without any mention.
The Real Reason Behind David Eigenberg’s Absence
As it turns out, the speculation wasn’t far off. David Eigenberg, who portrays Christopher Herrmann, confirmed that he had suffered a real-life injury. In an interview with CinemaBlend on November 14, Eigenberg shared what had happened: “We’re shooting Episode 11 right now. I was out for a couple of episodes because I snapped my Achilles tendon, so I got knocked out for a bit. It’s been a weird year.”
Eigenberg’s injury occurred around the time of filming for Episodes 5, 6, and 7. In Episode 5, Herrmann was shown struggling to stand up, hinting at an off-screen issue. By Episodes 6 and 7, he was completely absent. The actor’s injury required surgery, and he needed time to recover, leading to his temporary break from the series.
Fans Discuss the Show’s Handling of Herrmann’s Absence
While Eigenberg’s injury explains his absence, some fans were disappointed by the lack of an on-screen explanation. “They could have shown Herrmann getting reassigned to desk duty due to an injury,” one viewer suggested. Others speculated that budget constraints might have influenced the decision to leave out certain characters in episodes, as network shows are facing tighter financial pressures these days.
Despite the brief hiatus, the good news is that Herrmann will return in the upcoming Episode 8, titled “Quicksand.” According to the synopsis, viewers can look forward to seeing him and Mouch preparing for their officer exams. Herrmann’s storyline will pick up again, and fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he’s back in action.
What’s Next for David Eigenberg on ‘Chicago Fire’?
David Eigenberg’s return in Episode 8 marks a positive turn for both the actor and his character. In the episodes ahead, fans can expect to see Herrmann back in the thick of things at Firehouse 51, continuing his journey alongside his fellow firefighters. With Eigenberg’s injury behind him, it looks like the actor is ready to dive back into the action and drama that Chicago Fire is known for.
As Eigenberg himself said, it’s been a “weird year,” but his resilience and commitment to the role have kept him going. Here’s hoping for a smoother rest of the season for the Chicago Fire veteran.
