Patrick John Flueger Takes Unexpected Leave from Chicago P.D.: What's Next for Ruzek in Season 13?

Big news from the 21st District: Patrick John Flueger, who plays our beloved Officer Adam Ruzek on Chicago P.d., is temporarily stepping away from the show. Here's what we know about his unexpected leave and how it'll shake things up for the Intelligence Unit this season.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the Ruzek News

• Patrick John Flueger is taking a temporary leave of absence from Chicago P.D. for personal reasons, including a reported instance of alcohol use on set.
• His departure was unexpected, leading to immediate script reworks for Season 13 to explain Adam Ruzek's absence.
• Flueger is expected to return later in Season 13, so Ruzek won't be gone for good.

A Sudden Departure for Officer Adam Ruzek

Fans of Chicago P.D., get ready for a significant shift in the Intelligence Unit! Patrick John Flueger, who has been a staple as Officer Adam Ruzek since the show's premiere, is taking a leave of absence. This news, first reported by Deadline, indicates that Flueger is stepping away to deal with a personal matter.

Sources close to production have revealed that Flueger has been going through a "difficult period personally," which included "an instance of alcohol use on set." This temporary departure was unexpected by the show's team, meaning writers are currently scrambling to rework scripts for the ongoing 13th season to explain Ruzek's absence on screen.

But don't panic too much, #Burzek shippers! The good news is that Flueger is expected to return to the show later in Season 13. So, while we'll miss Ruzek's presence for a while, it won't be a permanent goodbye.

Who Exactly is Adam Ruzek and Why He's So Important to the Intelligence Unit

Adam Ruzek has been an absolutely vital part of Sergeant Hank Voight's (Jason Beghe) Intelligence Unit from the very beginning. Introduced as a young recruit, he's grown significantly, moving from undercover work to becoming a seasoned and reliable officer. His journey has been one of the most compelling arcs on the show, full of personal and professional challenges.

Beyond his police work, Ruzek is known for his deep connections within the team. His long-standing, often tumultuous, but ultimately loving relationship with Detective Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) has been a fan favorite, earning them the endearing 'ship name #Burzek. Their dynamic is a cornerstone of the series, showing the emotional toll and triumphs of life as a cop in Chicago.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Burzek: Marriage and Family Life

The Season 12 finale brought a huge milestone for Adam and Kim: they finally tied the knot! After years of an on-again, off-again romance, seeing them get married in front of friends and family was a moment many fans had eagerly awaited. They also share an adopted daughter, Makayla, whom they welcomed into their lives back in Season 8, adding another layer to their family dynamic.

This season, Season 13, has seen Ruzek and Burgess trying to navigate married life and parenthood while still policing the tough streets of Chicago. They've been "treading lightly," focusing on their family, especially after recent events where Burgess was assaulted while undercover, leading them to question if they should raise Makayla elsewhere.

"I wanted the classic wedding. I'm glad it was in a church. I'm glad it was a real wedding. They deserve it."

— Marina Squerciati (Detective Kim Burgess) on the #Burzek wedding.

"Patty and I have great chemistry and he's my best friend in the whole world. I think that that chemistry just shows and we love working together."

— Marina Squerciati, speaking to People Magazine.

Adding to Ruzek's personal responsibilities, he also looks after his father, Disco Bob (Jack Coleman), who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in Season 12 and now resides in a nursing home. These personal storylines highlight the complex life Ruzek leads outside of the Intelligence Unit, offering potential avenues for his temporary on-screen departure.

Reworking the Scripts: How Chicago P.D. Will Explain Ruzek's Absence On-Screen

Since Flueger's leave was unexpected, the show's writers are currently hard at work adapting the storyline to account for Ruzek's absence. While no official in-show explanation has been given yet, fans are already speculating on how the character might be written off temporarily.

Given his existing commitments, there are a couple of natural possibilities:

• Caring for his Father: Ruzek's father, Disco Bob, is living with Alzheimer's. A storyline where Ruzek needs to step away to provide more intensive care or manage a crisis related to his father's health would be a natural and emotionally resonant fit.
• Focusing on Family Move: With Kim and Adam considering moving for Makayla's well-being, Ruzek could become preoccupied with the logistics of this major life change, perhaps traveling to scout new locations or dealing with family matters away from Chicago.

The Chicago franchise is known for allowing its actors time for personal reasons, and it manages to weave these real-life changes into compelling on-screen narratives. Showrunner Gwen Sigan previously expressed excitement for "Burzek's" story lines this season, indicating "a lot to play" with their newfound stability. This temporary absence will undoubtedly add an unexpected twist to those plans.

"[Voight] accepts it and supports it, and [he does] love them both, but it is a potential problem. It can lead to bad decisions and mistakes, but it is what it is. So [he'll] support them and fight for them — give his last drop of blood to protect them. They're a family now — that includes [their daughter] Makayla. She's [Voight's] family."

— Jason Beghe (Sergeant Hank Voight) on Burzek's marriage impacting their work, speaking to Us Weekly.

The One Chicago Franchise's History of Accommodating Actors' Personal Breaks

This isn't the first time an actor in the popular "One Chicago" universe, produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment, has taken a temporary leave for personal reasons. Chicago Fire star Taylor Kinney, who plays Lieutenant Kelly Severide, famously took a leave of absence, returning to the firefighter drama about 10 months later.

The franchise has a proven track record of supporting its cast members when they need time off, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being. While Flueger's absence is sudden, the expectation of his return later in Season 13 aligns with the franchise's history of handling such situations with grace and a clear path back for the character.

For viewers, this means we'll likely see how the Intelligence Unit adapts without Ruzek, and how Burgess copes with her husband's absence, potentially leading to some gripping new storylines as the team deals with the aftermath of Deputy Chief Charlie Reid's demise and other challenges in the current season.

Chicago P.D. airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC. Make sure to tune in to see how Ruzek's storyline unfolds!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About This Chicago P.D. News

When Did Patrick John Flueger's Leave of Absence Start?

The news of his leave was reported on October 21, 2025, during the airing of Chicago P.D. Season 13. His departure was unexpected, leading to immediate script reworks.

Will Adam Ruzek Be Returning to Chicago P.D.?

Yes, sources indicate that Patrick John Flueger is expected to return to Chicago P.D. later in Season 13. His leave is temporary, not permanent.

How Will Chicago P.D. Explain Adam Ruzek's Disappearance?

While the show is still reworking scripts, popular fan theories suggest Ruzek's absence could be tied to caring for his father, Disco Bob (who has Alzheimer's), or focusing on moving his family with Kim Burgess and Makayla to a new location. We'll have to watch to see the official explanation!

What Does This Mean for the "Burzek" Relationship in Season 13?

This temporary absence will undoubtedly test the newly married couple, Adam Ruzek and Kim Burgess. While challenging, their bond is strong, and this storyline could explore new aspects of their relationship and resilience when Ruzek returns.

Sources

• Nellie Andreeva, Deadline: "‘Chicago P.D.’ Star Patrick John Flueger Taking Leave Of Absence From Show" (October 21, 2025)
• Claire Franken, Looper: "Chicago P.D.'s Patrick John Flueger To Take Leave Of Absence – How Will Ruzek's Absence Be Explained?" (October 21, 2025)
• Martin Holmes, TV Insider: "‘Chicago P.D.’: Patrick John Flueger’s Unexpected Absence From Show Explained" (October 22, 2025)
• Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly: "Chicago P.D. star Patrick John Flueger to take leave of absence" (October 22, 2025)
• Us Weekly: "‘Chicago P.D.’ Veteran Patrick Flueger Is Taking a Leave of Absence From the Show" (October 22, 2025)
• ScreenRant: "One Chicago Loses Original Cast Member As Important Figure Steps Away From Long-Term Role" (October 22, 2025)
• TOI Entertainment Desk, Times of India: "‘Chicago P.D.’ star Patrick John Flueger takes hiatus from drama; cites ‘personal issues’" (October 22, 2025)
• PopCulture.com: "‘Chicago P.D.’ Star Taking Unexpected Temporary Break" (October 22, 2025)
• Jose Alejandro Bastidas, TheWrap: "‘Chicago P.D.’ Star Patrick John Flueger to Take Unexpected Leave of Absence" (October 22, 2025)