Patrick Flueger Takes Temporary Leave from Chicago P.D. for Personal Reasons
In a surprising development for fans of the long-running NBC police drama, Patrick Flueger, a beloved fixture on Chicago P.D. since its 2014 debut, has taken an unexpected leave of absence from the show to address a personal matter. The actor, who portrays Officer Adam Ruzek, has been a cornerstone of the series through all twelve seasons, making his temporary departure particularly notable. According to reports first published by Deadline on October 21, Flueger’s absence was not planned in advance, prompting the writing team to quickly rework scripts for the current thirteenth season. While the exact nature of Flueger’s personal situation remains private, sources indicate he will return to the show later in the season. The news comes just weeks after the season premiere, leaving fans concerned about both the actor and how the show will address his character’s temporary absence from the Intelligence Unit.
Flueger’s departure follows a significant milestone for his character in the season 12 finale, where Ruzek finally married his longtime love interest, Detective Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati), in a heartwarming ceremony surrounded by their colleagues from the 21st District. This long-awaited union represented years of on-again, off-again romance between the characters, whose relationship has been a central emotional anchor for the series. The couple’s journey has been especially poignant since season 8, when they adopted their daughter Makayla, forming a family unit that has provided some of the show’s most touching moments amid the typically intense police drama. For many viewers, Ruzek and Burgess (affectionately dubbed “Burzek” by fans) represent one of television’s most authentic portrayals of a complex, evolving relationship between two dedicated police officers balancing professional duties with personal commitment.
The implications of Ruzek’s marriage to Burgess were recently addressed by veteran actor Jason Beghe, who plays the gruff but paternal Sergeant Hank Voight. In an exclusive interview, Beghe revealed that while Voight genuinely loves and supports both officers, their marriage creates potential complications within the tight-knit Intelligence Unit. “It can lead to bad decisions and mistakes,” Beghe explained about the challenges of having married officers working dangerous cases together. However, he emphasized that Voight sees Ruzek, Burgess, and Makayla as family—a significant statement from a character whose tragic personal history has made him notoriously protective of his team. Beghe’s comments hint at upcoming professional challenges the newly married couple might face, with Voight needing to make difficult decisions about their assignments while maintaining unit effectiveness and ensuring their safety.
Before Flueger’s unexpected leave was announced, showrunner Gwen Sigan had expressed excitement about exploring new dimensions of the Ruzek-Burgess relationship in season 13. With their personal lives finally achieving some stability through marriage, Sigan planned to examine how their professional dynamic might evolve under their new status. “What does it look like on the job?” she wondered, suggesting that their relationship would face fresh challenges in the high-stakes environment of Chicago’s Intelligence Unit. Sigan’s comments indicated substantial storylines planned for the couple, making Flueger’s temporary departure particularly challenging for the writing team. Fans were looking forward to seeing a more “wholesome” side to their relationship, with the potential for exploring how their shared parenting of Makayla might influence their approach to police work and the risks they’re willing to take on dangerous assignments.
Flueger’s absence comes on the heels of another cast departure, as Toya Turner, who joined the show as Officer Kiana Cook in season 12, announced she would not return for the current season. Turner’s June Instagram post struck a gracious tone, thanking the cast, crew, and fans while reflecting on her growth during her single season with the show. “This show challenged me, sharpened me, and revealed what I’m made of,” Turner wrote, expressing gratitude for the experience despite her short tenure. The back-to-back departures—though Flueger’s is temporary—represent significant changes for a show known for its relatively stable core cast. With longtime stars like Beghe, Flueger, Squerciati, and LaRoyce Hawkins providing continuity through multiple seasons, Chicago P.D. has built deep character histories that keep viewers emotionally invested in the professional and personal lives of these fictional officers.
As production continues on season 13 without Flueger, fans are left wondering how the show will address Ruzek’s temporary absence and what this might mean for the Burgess character, who now finds herself a newlywed potentially separated from her husband. The Chicago P.D. writers have demonstrated skill in handling cast changes over the years, incorporating them into the organic flow of the show’s narrative rather than treating them as disruptions. While the circumstances of Flueger’s leave remain private, the show’s dedicated fanbase has expressed support for the actor during this personal time, along with eager anticipation for his eventual return. Chicago P.D. continues to air Wednesday nights on NBC as part of the network’s popular Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, with crossover events that have made these interconnected shows a centerpiece of NBC’s programming strategy for nearly a decade.
