Adam Ruzek is exiting the Intelligence Unit — for now.
“Chicago P.D.” star Patrick John Flueger is taking a sudden leave of absence from the NBC procedural police drama to deal with a personal matter, Deadline reports.
Flueger, 41, has starred on the NBC series since its debut in 2014. According to the outlet, his temporary departure was unexpected and scripts are being reworked last-minute to explain the character’s absence.
The actor plans to return later in the season.
The Post has reached out to NBC for comment.
Flueger’s Ruzek married his longtime love interest Detective Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) in the Season 12 finale. The pair, who are considered one of the Chicago franchise’s favorite TV couple’s, adopted a daughter, Makayla, in Season 8.
Flueger and Squerciati, 41, opened up about their onscreen chemistry and relationship during an interview with Us Weekly in 2022.
“My favorite thing about this relationship is, I think it’s one of the most realistic relationships on screen as far as adults are concerned. It’s complicated. It’s not easy. And they lean on each other and they hurt each other and they beat each other up,” Flueger said at the time.
“It’s so different. When have you seen that before? I don’t know if we worked it into that groove or if the writers did, or if people even are aware that that’s where our characters live. All I know is that it is really interesting to play.”
For several seasons, the pair were a “will they, won’t they” scenario for audiences.
“I think at the end of the day, they’ll end up together, but I don’t think it’s an easy road to get there,” Fleuger added.
Last year, Squerciati noted that the duo have a “great relationship” and “deserve” to have a happy ending, which they ultimately got.
The Chicago universe is used to having a revolving door for actors who need a break. “Chicago Fire” star Taylor Kinney also recently took a leave of absence in early 2023 to deal with a personal matter.
Flueger has previously been featured in the TV movie “Hatfields & McCoys,” 2011’s “Footloose” remake and 2001’s “The Princess Diaries.”
“Chicago P.D.” also stars Jason Beghe, LaRoyce Hawkins and Amy Morton. Notable previous cast members include Sophia Bush, Jesse Lee Soffer, and Tracy Spiridakos.
“Chicago P.D.” is currently airing Season 13.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
