Patrick John Flueger Taking Unexpected Leave from Chicago P.D. Season 13

Big news from the 21st District: Patrick John Flueger, the beloved actor behind Officer Adam Ruzek on Chicago P.d., is taking a temporary break from the show. Don't worry, #OneChicago fans, he's expected back later this season!

TL;DR on Patrick John Flueger's Departure from Chicago P.D.

• Patrick John Flueger (Officer Adam Ruzek) is taking an unexpected leave of absence from Chicago P.D. for personal reasons.
• His temporary departure is leading to scripts for Season 13 being reworked, but he is anticipated to return later in the season.
• The popular "Burzek" storyline (Ruzek and Kim Burgess) will continue, with the show known for accommodating its actors during personal breaks.

Unpacking Patrick John Flueger's Temporary Hiatus from Chicago P.D.

It's always a big moment when an original cast member steps away, even temporarily, from a show as long-running and beloved as Chicago P.D. But that's precisely what's happening with Patrick John Flueger, who has played the dedicated, sometimes impulsive, Officer Adam Ruzek since the very beginning. Reports confirm that Flueger is taking a leave of absence to deal with a personal matter. This wasn't something the production team saw coming, so expect some creative script adjustments in upcoming Season 13 episodes.

While the exact details of Flueger's personal situation haven't been fully disclosed, sources have indicated that he's been going through a "difficult period personally," which included "an instance of alcohol use on set." The One Chicago franchise, produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment, has a history of being supportive and accommodating to its actors when personal reasons necessitate a break, showing a commitment to their well-being.

This news broke in late October 2025, just weeks after the 13th season of Chicago P.D. premiered on October 1st. While the temporary exit of such a central character is bound to stir up fan conversations, the good news is that Flueger is expected to rejoin the cast and resume his role as Ruzek later this season. So, while we might miss his presence for a few episodes, it's not a permanent goodbye for Intelligence Unit's long-standing officer.

The Enduring Character Journey of Adam Ruzek on Chicago P.D.

Patrick John Flueger has been an integral part of Chicago P.D. since it first hit our screens in 2014. His character, Adam Ruzek, started out as a young police officer, fresh from the academy, hand-picked for undercover work. Over the years, we've watched Ruzek mature, face countless dangers, and grapple with complex personal and professional challenges. He's grown from a hot-headed recruit into a foundational member of Sergeant Hank Voight's (Jason Beghe) elite Intelligence Unit within the 21st District.

Perhaps one of Ruzek's most enduring storylines, and certainly a fan-favorite, is his tumultuous yet heartwarming relationship with Detective Kim Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati. Affectionately dubbed "#Burzek" by fans, their on-again, off-again romance has been a central pillar of the show's emotional core. Their journey culminated in a beautiful wedding during the Season 12 finale, a moment many viewers had been waiting for. Beyond their romance, they share an adopted daughter, Makayla, who they welcomed into their family in Season 8, adding another layer of depth and responsibility to Ruzek's character.

The current Season 13 has already seen Ruzek and Burgess navigate the complexities of their newly married life while still confronting the gritty realities of Chicago's streets. They've been grappling with the aftermath of intense events, including the Intelligence Unit's brief suspension and a harrowing incident where Ruzek rescued Burgess after she was drugged and assaulted while undercover. These events have led the couple to consider whether their current neighborhood is truly the best place to raise Makayla, suggesting a potential desire for a fresh start or a move to a new area with better schools. This provides natural avenues for explaining Ruzek's upcoming absence.

Ruzek also has significant family ties outside of his immediate family with Burgess and Makayla. He's actively involved in the care of his father, Disco Bob (Jack Coleman), who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last season and is now living in a Chicago nursing home. This existing storyline offers a credible in-show explanation for Ruzek needing to step away for a period, perhaps to provide more intensive care or manage a family crisis related to his father's health.

How Will Chicago P.D. Address Adam Ruzek's Absence in Season 13?

With scripts being hastily rewritten, the big question on everyone's mind is how Chicago P.D. will explain Adam Ruzek's temporary disappearance. Given the rich character history and ongoing storylines, there are a few organic ways the writers could handle it, drawing directly from established plot points:

• Family Matter with Disco Bob: Ruzek's commitment to his father, Disco Bob, who is battling Alzheimer's, provides a strong and emotional reason for him to step away. An escalation in his father's condition or a need for Ruzek to manage new care arrangements could easily see him leave Chicago for a short while.
• A Move for Makayla's Future: The ongoing discussions between Ruzek and Burgess about moving to a new neighborhood for Makayla's well-being could be accelerated. Perhaps Ruzek takes on the bulk of finding a new home or dealing with relocation logistics, requiring him to be absent from active duty.
• Undercover Assignment: While less likely given the personal nature of the leave, a deep-cover assignment that takes Ruzek out of the city for an extended period could also serve as a narrative device. However, the emotional weight of his personal situation makes the family-related explanations feel more fitting for the character.

Whatever the explanation, fans can rest assured that the creative team will aim for a storyline that feels authentic to Ruzek's character and the established narrative. The show is known for its intricate storytelling, and this unexpected challenge will undoubtedly be handled with care.

One Chicago's Track Record for Accommodating Cast Members' Personal Lives

This isn't the first time an actor in Dick Wolf's expansive One Chicago universe has taken a leave of absence for personal reasons. In fact, the franchise has a compassionate approach to supporting its cast members through difficult times. A notable precedent was set when Taylor Kinney, who plays Lieutenant Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire, took a leave of absence in the middle of Season 11. He later returned to the show, coming back in Season 12 after about a 10-month interval.

This history provides a strong indication that Patrick John Flueger's departure is indeed temporary and that his return is a planned part of the production. It speaks to the supportive environment fostered within the One Chicago family, prioritizing the well-being of its actors while strategically adjusting storylines to maintain continuity for viewers.

The franchise's ability to adapt is a testament to its robust writing teams and the depth of its ensemble casts. While the Intelligence Unit will certainly feel Ruzek's absence, the show has a strong bench of characters ready to step up, ensuring the stories of the 21st District continue to be told compellingly.

The Future of #Burzek and Season 13's Emotional Landscape

Patrick John Flueger's absence comes at a pivotal time for Adam Ruzek's character, particularly concerning his relationship with Kim Burgess. The "Burzek" wedding in the Season 12 finale was a monumental event, culminating years of character development and fan anticipation. Moving into Season 13, showrunner Gwen Sigan had teased exciting, "wholesome" storylines for the newly married couple, exploring what "stability at home" would look like on the job. "What can we push them into and... find stories there?" Sigan remarked, adding she was "excited" for their arcs and that there was "a lot to play" with their characters.

"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 (Detective Kim Burgess) on Patrick John Flueger

Even Sergeant Voight, usually stoic, has complex feelings about his officers being married. Jason Beghe, who portrays Voight, shared his character's perspective with Us Weekly: "[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." This underscores the deep bonds within the unit and how Ruzek's family, including Makayla, is now integral to Voight's protective instincts.

Despite this temporary setback, the foundation of the Burzek storyline remains strong. Marina Squerciati herself has spoken warmly about her working relationship with Flueger, calling him her "best friend in the whole world" and noting their "great chemistry." She also shared her joy over the on-screen wedding, saying, "I wanted the classic wedding. I'm glad it was in a church. I'm glad it was a real wedding. They deserve it." Her enthusiasm suggests the duo's on-screen magic will pick right back up when Flueger returns.

While Ruzek is away, it's highly probable that the narrative will shift to focus more on Kim Burgess, exploring how she handles this new challenge both personally and professionally, especially given her increased focus on Makayla's well-being. This could provide an opportunity for her character to shine even brighter, further solidifying her independence and strength within the Intelligence Unit. When Ruzek does return, it will be fascinating to see how his personal experiences off-screen are woven back into the fabric of his character's journey, potentially adding new layers to his relationship with Burgess and his role in the unit.

More One Chicago Updates and What It Means for Viewers

Beyond Flueger's temporary leave, the One Chicago franchise has seen other changes this past year. Viewers will recall the exit of Toya Turner, who played Officer Kiana Cook, after only one season in Season 12. Turner announced her departure via Instagram, reflecting positively on her time on the show and expressing gratitude to the cast, crew, and fans.

Additionally, NBC made announcements in June regarding cost-cutting measures for the franchise, which included plans for fewer episodes and potentially fewer appearances from each character in every episode across Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med. However, key cast members like Jason Beghe (Chicago P.D.), Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire), and S. Epatha Merkerson (Chicago Med) have all signed deals to remain with their respective shows for the foreseeable future, ensuring the core of the franchise remains intact.

These adjustments highlight the dynamic nature of long-running television productions. While cast changes and unexpected hiatuses can be challenging, the One Chicago universe has proven its resilience and its commitment to delivering compelling stories. Fans can continue to tune in to new episodes of Chicago P.D., airing Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, knowing that Adam Ruzek's story is far from over.

Frequently Asked Questions About Patrick John Flueger's Leave When will Patrick John Flueger return to Chicago P.D.? Patrick John Flueger is expected to return to Chicago P.D. later in Season 13, though a specific episode or date has not been announced. How will Adam Ruzek's absence be explained on Chicago P.D.? The show's writers are currently reworking scripts to reflect his absence. Potential in-show explanations could involve Ruzek tending to his father, Disco Bob (who has Alzheimer's), or dealing with a potential family move with Kim Burgess and Makayla. What is the "One Chicago" franchise? The "One Chicago" franchise is a collection of interconnected NBC procedural dramas created by Dick Wolf, all set in Chicago. It includes Chicago Fire (2012), Chicago P.D. (2013), and Chicago Med (2015), and previously Chicago Justice. Where can I watch new episodes of Chicago P.D.? New episodes of Chicago P.D. Season 13 air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Episodes are also typically available for streaming on Peacock. Sources

• Mlive.com
• Deadline
• The Wrap
• ScreenRant
• Us Weekly
• TV Tattle
• TOI Entertainment Desk
• Entertainment Weekly