Patrick John Flueger, beloved by fans for his long-running role as Officer Adam Ruzek on Chicago P.D., is expected to make a much-anticipated return to the show in 2026. The actor recently announced a temporary leave of absence during the show’s 13th season but has affirmed that his departure is not permanent. TVLine+2CBR+2
A Sudden Exit, But Not Goodbye
In October 2025, news broke that Flueger would be stepping away from Chicago P.D. due to a personal matter. CBR+2Parade+2 According to multiple reports, his decision was unplanned and took the production team by surprise. TVLine+2CBR+2 As a result, the writers had to quickly adjust scripts to account for Ruzek’s absence. CBR+2Yahoo+2
Sources suggest that Flueger is taking this step back to address personal challenges — including a reported incident involving alcohol use — but that he and the network remain optimistic about his return. Parade+2Yahoo+2
What This Means for Chicago P.D. Storylines
Adam Ruzek has been a cornerstone character since the series premiered in 2014, serving as a devoted member of the Intelligence Unit under Sergeant Hank Voight. NBC+1 His recent arc has been emotionally charged: in the Season 12 finale, he married Detective Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati), and together they are raising their adopted daughter, Makayla. TVLine+1
With Flueger’s sudden leave, the showrunners are now navigating how to explain Ruzek’s absence in a way that honors his importance to the unit — and to fans. primetimer.com While the exact details of how his character will be written out remain under wraps, insiders say he is expected to return sometime later during Season 13. webvibe.org+1
Why Fans Are Hopeful — and Relieved
For longtime viewers, the news of Flueger’s return couldn’t come soon enough. Ruzek is not just another cop on the beat: he’s a character whose growth, loyalty, and relationships have made him a fan favorite. His bond with Burgess — often referred to by fans as “Burzek” — has been deeply cherished. TVLine
Beyond the emotional tie, there’s also narrative weight: losing Ruzek entirely would leave a void in the Intelligence Unit, particularly because of his history, experience, and connection to Voight. Parade+1 Moreover, reports suggest that his leave is part of a self-care decision, which has drawn public support from the fandom and cast alike. CBR+1
What Might the Return Look Like?
While NBC and Flueger have not publicly confirmed exact dates, the consensus among industry insiders is that his return will likely happen before the end of Season 13, perhaps in early 2026. webvibe.org+1 Given his character’s central role, writers now have a delicate balancing act: crafting an exit that makes sense in the short term without closing the door on his story arc for good.
Some possibilities include:
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Off-duty explanation: Ruzek may be written as taking extended leave for family or personal business, giving the show time to address his absence in a grounded way.
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Undercover or assignment-based absence: Given his history with undercover work, the show could tie his absence to a special operation, allowing for a dramatic re-entrance.
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Recovery storyline: If the reported personal issues are acknowledged on screen, his return could be framed as a redemption or recovery arc — one that deepens his character and reinforces the show’s commitment to realism.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Flueger’s temporary departure and promised return highlight a broader trend in modern television: the recognition that actors’ mental health and personal struggles matter, even for long-running procedural shows. The decision to give him space, rather than write off his character entirely, signals that Chicago P.D. values its talent beyond just their on-screen utility.
From a storytelling perspective, this moment offers an opportunity. A well-handled absence and return can refresh Ruzek’s arc, explore new dimensions of his character, and re-energize audience engagement. It also reflects how real life and fiction sometimes overlap — with challenges off screen influencing the narratives we watch.
Looking Ahead
As fans await Flueger’s comeback, several questions loom:
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When exactly will he return? While 2026 is the expected timeframe, the specific episode or context remains unannounced.
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How will Ruzek’s absence be explained on the show? Will the writers lean into a personal trip, a covert mission, or a recovery plot?
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What impact will his return have on his relationship with Burgess and their daughter? Given their recent marriage and family dynamics, his exit and re-entry could carry emotional weight.
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Will his comeback alter the show’s direction creatively? This transition could be a springboard for new character growth, both for Ruzek and for others in the Intelligence Unit.
Conclusion
Patrick John Flueger’s upcoming return to Chicago P.D. in 2026 — after a brief hiatus in Season 13 — is a hopeful development for both the actor and the series. His absence has already created ripples in the storytelling, forcing creative adjustments, but his return promises to restore a key piece of the show’s identity. More than that, it underscores a compassionate stance by the producers: recognizing that real life sometimes requires stepping back, and that the door for comeback should never be closed.
As the January 2026 episodes approach, fans will be watching closely, hopeful for a meaningful return for Ruzek — one that matches the loyalty, complexity, and heart Patrick John Flueger has brought to the role for nearly a decade.
