If you were watching Chicago P.D. Season 13 and suddenly realized Adam Ruzek was missing from the lineup, you aren't alone. It was jarring. One minute he’s a staple of the Intelligence Unit, and the next, he’s just… not there. No big send-off. No heroic final stand. Just an empty desk.
Fans started spiraling immediately. Is he gone for good? Did something happen behind the scenes?
The truth is a mix of real-life hurdles and some quick footwork by the writers. Here is the actual story behind the Patrick John Flueger Chicago PD leave and why the "Burzek" future isn't as grim as it looked a few months ago.
The Sudden October Departure
It all started on October 22, 2025. That’s when the news broke via Deadline that Patrick John Flueger was taking a temporary leave of absence. The timing couldn't have been worse for the production. The season was already well underway, and scripts had to be scrapped and rewritten on the fly to explain why Officer Ruzek was suddenly out of the picture.
There wasn't a formal press release or a long goodbye post.
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Instead, sources cited a "personal matter." This usually code for "we aren't talking about it," but reports eventually surfaced suggesting Flueger had been going through a difficult period. Some industry insiders even pointed to a specific instance involving alcohol use on set that triggered the need for a break. Whatever the catalyst, the decision was made: Flueger needed time away, and the show had to move on without him.
Honestly, it felt like a gut punch to long-time viewers. Ruzek is one of the "Original Four"—the small group of cast members who have been there since the pilot in 2014. Seeing that number dwindle, even temporarily, felt like the end of an era.
How the Show Handled the Ruzek Gap
While Flueger was away, the writers had a massive problem. They had just married off Ruzek and Burgess in the Season 12 finale. They were finally "settled." So, how do you explain a newlywed husband just vanishing?
Initially, they didn't.
Ruzek’s last appearance before the break was in the October 29 episode. After that? Radio silence. He wasn't in the fall finale on November 12. He wasn't even mentioned in the promos. It wasn't until the show returned for its midseason premiere on January 7, 2026, that we got a real answer.
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- The In-Universe Explanation: Kim Burgess finally dropped a line about Adam being away to help his father, "Disco Bob" Ruzek.
- The Context: Bob has been struggling with Alzheimer’s, so it’s a believable excuse for a character to step away from the high-stress environment of the 21st District.
It was a small update, but it gave fans enough to chew on while waiting for the real-life actor to find his footing again.
The Return: Spotted on Set
If you’re looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, it arrived on December 10, 2025.
Marina Squerciati, who plays Kim Burgess and is close friends with Flueger in real life, posted a video that basically broke the "One Chicago" corner of the internet. It was a birthday celebration on set. There was Flueger, grinning ear-to-ear, surrounded by a colorful cake that said "Happy Birthday Paddy."
Seeing him back with LaRoyce Hawkins and the rest of the crew was the first definitive proof that the Patrick John Flueger Chicago PD leave was officially over. He wasn't just "returning later in the season"—he was actually back in the building.
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What’s Next for Ruzek in 2026?
So, when do we actually see him on our TV screens again?
Since the show films several weeks in advance, there is always a lag. While he started filming in early December, he missed the first few episodes of the 2026 winter block. However, showrunner Gwen Sigan has already confirmed that the second half of Season 13 will be heavy on the "Burzek" family dynamic.
We are looking at a "snapshot" of their life together. The writers want to show how they handle the big questions: their daughter’s future, where they want to live, and how they balance the trauma of the job with a stable home life.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- He is NOT leaving permanently. This was a leave of absence, not an exit.
- Expect a return soon. Likely by late February or early March 2026.
- The "Personal Matter" is being handled. The cast has been incredibly supportive, especially Marina Squerciati.
If you're worried about the character, don't be. Ruzek has survived being shot, undercover stings, and a decade of Voight's questionable decisions. A few weeks off to handle personal business is just a blip in the grand scheme of the Intelligence Unit.
Keep an eye on the Wednesday night lineup. The 21st District is much quieter without Ruzek’s energy, and the reunion with Burgess is likely to be the emotional highlight of the season.
Next Steps for Fans:
Monitor the official NBC Chicago P.D. social media accounts for the first "First Look" photos of Flueger in uniform. Given he was back on set in December, those promotional stills should be dropping any day now to herald his official onscreen return.