Patrick John Flueger, well-known for his portrayal of Officer Adam Ruzek in the popular NBC series “Chicago P.D.,” recently raised eyebrows with his absence from the latest One Chicago crossover event on 4 March. This crossover featured beloved characters from “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago P.D.” Nevertheless, Flueger’s absence was significant, marking a departure from the series that he has been part of since its inception in 2014.
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The reason for Flueger’s absence is rooted in a leave of absence he took due to personal matters. This development was first revealed in season 13, episode 9—titled “Heroes”—where Ruzek’s storyline was explored, demonstrating that he was stepping back from his duties at the police department to assist his father, “Disco Bob” Ruzek, who is battling Alzheimer’s disease. Though he was noticeably missing from the crossover, the actor has participated in previous crossover events, providing a unique insight into character dynamics and relationships within the series.
Flueger’s leave of absence came as a surprise to many, as reported by Deadline, forcing the production team to make adjustments to upcoming scripts. This change echoed similar situations in the franchise, as Taylor Kinney, another prominent cast member from “Chicago Fire,” also took time off in 2023 before returning later that year.
In a previous interview, Flueger reflected on the evolution of his character over the years. He remarked, “Not to toot my own horn, but I think my character has grown and changed the most out of any other character.” He has actively engaged with the audience about his journey as an actor, discussing how playing Ruzek has intertwined with his own personal growth. “I hope he has… It’s been cool. I think it helped me grow up, being this guy,” he noted.
Despite his recent absence, there is positive news for fans of the series regarding Flueger’s return. He is confirmed to be back in this season of “Chicago P.D.” and was seen in the promotional material for the episode airing on 11 March, titled “Meant to Be.” Additionally, Flueger was spotted back on set as early as December 2025, less than two months after announcing his leave. Fellow cast member Marina Squerciati, who plays Detective Kim Burgess—Ruzek’s romantic partner—celebrated his return with an on-set birthday post, reinforcing the camaraderie prevalent among the cast.
The dynamics of the One Chicago franchise hinge significantly on such character relationships and personal storylines, which both viewers and critics have noted. The crossover events are designed not just to showcase thrilling action but also to deepen character development, as expressed by Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman: “It’s always a question of how do you top it… in terms of the action, but also the character stuff.”
As viewers eagerly await the next episode, questions about how Ruzek’s storyline will develop remain at the forefront. Will his experiences during his leave influence his character’s return? Fans are undoubtedly keen to see how the writers weave personal storylines into the broader narrative, especially as the series unfolds amid the backdrop of high-stakes action and emotional depth.
“Chicago P.D.” continues to be a staple of NBC’s programming, airing on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. With the anticipated return of Flueger and the resolution of his character’s development, audiences are sure to remain engaged in the multi-faceted storytelling that the One Chicago universe consistently delivers. As always, the blend of gripping drama and character development promises to keep fans tuning in each week.