What's Up With Ruzek? Patrick John Flueger Steps Away From Chicago P.D.

Big news, ChiHards! Patrick John Flueger, who plays the fan-favorite Adam Ruzek on Chicago P.D., is taking a temporary leave of absence this season to deal with a personal matter. We've got the scoop on what this means for the Intelligence Unit and his character's future.

TL;DR

• Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek) is taking an unexpected leave from Chicago P.D. Season 13 due to a personal matter.
• Scripts are being reworked to explain Ruzek's absence, but he's expected to return later in the season.
• This isn't the first time the Chicago franchise has accommodated an actor for personal reasons, with Taylor Kinney (Severide) from Chicago Fire having done so previously.

A Sudden Departure: Explaining Patrick John Flueger's Absence

It's always a bit of a shock when a core cast member steps away from a show, especially one as integral as Patrick John Flueger's Adam Ruzek on Chicago P.d. Reports from outlets like Deadline confirmed that Flueger has temporarily exited the popular NBC police drama to handle a personal situation. This wasn't something the showrunners saw coming, so expect some creative script changes to account for Ruzek's time away.

While the exact nature of his personal matter hasn't been fully detailed, sources for Deadline indicated that Flueger has been experiencing a "difficult period personally," which included "an instance of alcohol use on set." Our thoughts are with him during this time.

Adam Ruzek's Enduring Journey on the Intelligence Unit

For over a decade, Patrick John Flueger has been a pillar of the 21st District's Intelligence Unit since Chicago P.D. premiered in 2014. Ruzek, originally a young officer recruited straight from the academy for undercover work, has evolved significantly. He's faced demotions, worked his way back up, and navigated a complex, beloved on-and-off relationship with Detective Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati).

Fans lovingly dubbed them #Burzek, and after years of anticipation, they finally tied the knot in a "real wedding" during the Season 12 finale. Beyond his professional life and romance, Ruzek is also a devoted father to his adopted daughter, Makayla, and a caretaker for his father, "Disco Bob" (Jack Coleman), who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in Season 12.

"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 on Ruzek and Burgess's wedding, to People

"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 on her bond with Patrick John Flueger, to People

How Ruzek's Absence Could Shape Season 13 Storylines

With scripts being reworked unexpectedly, fans are already buzzing about how Ruzek's absence will be explained within the show. Season 13, which premiered on October 1, 2025, has seen the Intelligence Unit trying to regain normalcy after the fallout from Deputy Chief Charlie Reid. Ruzek himself has been deeply focused on his marriage and family life, especially after a harrowing incident where Burgess was drugged and assaulted, leading them to consider moving for Makayla's safety.

One plausible storyline could see Ruzek taking time off to care for his father, Disco Bob, whose Alzheimer's diagnosis might worsen. Another theory is that he could be scouting new, safer locations for his family as part of their discussion about moving. Or, perhaps the writers will opt for a simpler explanation, like an extended training program or special assignment away from Chicago. The possibilities are open, and it will be interesting to see how the show navigates this unforeseen plot twist.

A Precedent for Accommodating Actors in the One Chicago Universe

If you're a long-time fan of Dick Wolf's "One Chicago" franchise, this situation might feel a little familiar. Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment, who produce the shows, have a history of accommodating actors who need to step away for personal reasons. A notable example is Taylor Kinney, who plays Lieutenant Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire.

Kinney took a leave of absence for personal matters and returned to the show about 10 months later, proving that a temporary departure doesn't necessarily mean a permanent goodbye. This precedent should offer some comfort to fans worried about Flueger's future with Chicago P.D.

The Future of #Burzek: What Showrunners and Co-stars Say

Ruzek's leave comes at a crucial time for his character, especially given his recent marriage to Kim Burgess. Just before Season 13, showrunner Gwen Sigan teased a "wholesome" side to their relationship now that they had found stability, with "a lot to play" with for their storylines. Jason Beghe, who plays Sergeant Hank Voight, also weighed in on the #Burzek marriage, noting that while Voight supports them, it presents "a potential problem" for their work dynamics.

"It can lead to bad decisions and mistakes, but it is what it is," Beghe told Us Weekly. "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." These comments highlight how deeply Ruzek's family life is woven into the show's fabric, making his temporary absence all the more impactful.

Despite the current pause, the good news is that Patrick John Flueger is expected to return to Chicago P.D. later in Season 13. While there’s no specific return date yet, fans can breathe easy knowing that this isn't a permanent exit for Adam Ruzek. We'll be keeping an eye out for any updates on his return and how the Intelligence Unit adapts in his absence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago P.D. and Patrick John Flueger When does Chicago P.D. Season 13 air? Chicago P.D. Season 13 airs on Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC. It premiered on October 1, 2025. Where can I stream Chicago P.D.? New episodes of Chicago P.D. are available to stream on Peacock the day after they air on NBC. Previous seasons are also available on Peacock. What is the TV rating for Chicago P.D.? Chicago P.D. is typically rated TV-14, due to its crime drama content, which includes violence and mature themes. Is Patrick John Flueger leaving Chicago P.D. permanently? No, Patrick John Flueger's departure is temporary. He is expected to return to the show later in Season 13. Sources

• Deadline
• People
• Us Weekly
• TV Insider
• TV Insider (related article)