Patrick Flueger Takes Leave of Absence from ‘Chicago P.D.’

BREAKING: Patrick Flueger, who plays Adam Ruzek on NBC’s hit series Chicago P.D., is taking a leave of absence from the show, effective immediately. This unexpected development was confirmed by multiple sources, including Deadline, just announced on October 21, 2023.

Flueger’s leave comes shortly after his character, Ruzek, tied the knot with long-time love Kim Burgess, portrayed by Marina Squerciati, in a highly emotional wedding scene during the Season 12 finale. Reports indicate that Flueger intends to return later in Season 13, though the specifics of his personal matter remain undisclosed.

As a central character since the show’s inception in 2014, Flueger’s absence will significantly impact the storyline. Scripts are currently being rewritten to accommodate his temporary departure, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The premiere of Season 13 earlier this month set the stage for Ruzek and Burgess to explore their new married life, a storyline that showrunner Gwen Sigan had hinted would reveal a more “wholesome” side to their relationship. In a recent interview, Jason Beghe, who plays Sergeant Hank Voight, expressed both support and concerns about the couple’s dynamic on the job, stating, “It can lead to bad decisions and mistakes, but it is what it is.”

Flueger’s leave follows the earlier exit of Toya Turner, who portrayed Officer Kiana Cook. Turner announced her departure in a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking the cast and crew for their support during her time on the show.

Fans of Chicago P.D. are left wondering how the writers will navigate this sudden change. The emotional stakes have been raised with the recent marriage and the introduction of their adopted daughter, Makayla, into the storyline. Viewers can expect significant developments in the episodes to come as the writers adapt to Flueger’s absence.

For now, all eyes will be on how Chicago P.D. manages this unexpected shift and what it means for the beloved characters going forward. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.