Fans of Chicago PD were shocked when the news broke — Patrick John Flueger, who plays Officer Adam Ruzek, is temporarily leaving the show in Season 13. Since the very first episode of the series, Ruzek has been a key part of Sergeant Hank Voight’s Intelligence Unit. His charm, bravery, and sometimes reckless nature have made him one of the most beloved characters in the One Chicago universe.
But what exactly is happening with his character this season? Let’s take a closer look at why Ruzek is leaving, what it means for the show, and whether he’s coming back.
Patrick John Flueger Takes a Break from Chicago PD
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Caption: Patrick John Flueger’s character Ruzek will take a temporary leave from the Intelligence Unit in Season 13
According to Deadline, Patrick John Flueger isn’t leaving Chicago PD for good. He’s taking a short break — a leave of absence — from Season 13 to deal with a personal matter. The reason for his time off hasn’t been shared publicly, but sources say the actor has been going through a difficult period in his personal life.
That means Ruzek won’t appear in several upcoming episodes. Still, fans don’t have to panic — this isn’t a permanent goodbye. NBC has confirmed that Ruzek will return later in the season, once Flueger is ready to come back.
Since the announcement came while new episodes were still being filmed, Ruzek will likely remain in a few more episodes before he takes his break. So fans can still look forward to seeing him in action for a little while longer.
How Chicago PD Might Explain Ruzek’s Absence?
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Caption: Fans wonder how the show will write Ruzek out temporarily — will it involve Burgess or his family?
The show’s writers are now rewriting future scripts to explain Ruzek’s absence. Because the decision came suddenly, the creative team had to quickly adjust Season 13’s storylines.
At the moment, no one knows exactly how Ruzek will leave, but there are a few possible explanations based on his current story.
- Taking Care of His Father:
Earlier in the series, it was revealed that Ruzek’s father suffers from Alzheimer’s and lives in a nursing home. Ruzek might decide to take time off to be with him, especially if his health gets worse. - Family Decisions with Burgess:
Ruzek and Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati) have been discussing moving so that their daughter Makayla can attend a better school. This could be another reason Ruzek takes a break — to focus on his family and plan their next steps. - Work Training or Transfer:
Another easy storyline could be that Ruzek leaves the city for a police training program or seminar. It’s a common way for the writers to explain temporary exits without major drama.
Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Ruzek’s storyline will pause for a while, giving the writers room to explore the rest of the team — and maybe even focus more on Voight and Imani’s growing partnership.
Will Patrick John Flueger Return to Chicago PD?
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Caption: Patrick John Flueger is expected to return later in Season 13, following his short break from filming.
Thankfully, this isn’t the end for Ruzek. Fans of the One Chicago universe know that temporary absences happen often — and most actors eventually come back. For example, Taylor Kinney, who plays Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire, took a 10-month break and then returned in Season 12.
Similarly, reports confirm that Flueger will also return later in Season 13, though the exact episode is still unknown. He could come back just before the midseason finale in late 2025, or maybe not until the Season 13 finale in spring 2026.
No matter what, viewers can relax knowing that Ruzek’s departure is not permanent. His character is too important to the team — and fans would never accept losing another original member for good.
When and Where to Watch
New episodes of Chicago PD Season 13 air every Wednesday at 10 PM ET on NBC, right after Chicago Fire and Chicago Med. You can also stream full episodes anytime on Peacock.
So if you want to keep up with all the drama, make sure to tune in — and don’t miss the last few episodes featuring Ruzek before his temporary goodbye.
Final Thoughts
Patrick John Flueger’s short break has left fans emotional, but it’s also a reminder that even actors sometimes need to take care of themselves away from the screen. While Chicago PD won’t feel the same without Ruzek’s bold personality and loyalty, viewers can take comfort in knowing that he will be back.
Until then, fans will be watching closely to see how the show explains his exit — and what surprises Season 13 has in store when he finally returns.
