Fans of Chicago P.D. were left scratching their heads when Adam Ruzek, played by Patrick John Flueger, vanished from the screen for several episodes. As a central figure in the Intelligence Unit since the early seasons, Ruzek’s absence felt jarring—especially given how emotionally intense his storyline had become. Now, Flueger is finally shedding light on the real reason behind his unexpected break, and it turns out, there’s more than meets the eye.
Adam Ruzek isn’t just another cop on Chicago P.D.. He’s been the show’s action man, moral wild card, and emotional anchor. Whether it’s going undercover, navigating a complicated on-again, off-again relationship with Kim Burgess, or stepping into a father figure role for her daughter, Ruzek has had one of the most dynamic arcs in the series. That’s exactly why his sudden disappearance mid-season raised so many questions. There was no dramatic exit, no farewell scene, and no clear explanation—just a quiet absence that left fans guessing.
In a recent interview, Patrick John Flueger finally opened up about his break from the series. According to the actor, the decision to step back wasn’t made lightly—it was a combination of personal and professional factors that led to his time off. “It wasn’t burnout, but I needed space,” he said. “Ruzek has been carrying a lot, and so have I. It was important for me to regroup, reflect, and come back with fresh energy.”
Flueger emphasized that the break was a collaborative decision between him and the showrunners. Rather than force his character into the narrative without purpose, the creative team agreed that it would be better to give both Ruzek and the actor breathing room. “We didn’t want to do a half-baked version of Ruzek just to fill screen time,” he explained. “We wanted his return to matter.”
Interestingly, the break aligned with Ruzek’s own traumatic experiences in the story. At the end of the previous season, Ruzek was seriously injured after being shot while undercover. The physical recovery was tough—but the emotional scars ran even deeper. Flueger explained that stepping away from the show gave the writers time to process how such trauma would realistically affect a character like Ruzek. “When you go through what he did—nearly dying, feeling betrayed, struggling with identity—you don’t just bounce back,” Flueger said. “I’m glad the writers gave him space to feel human, not just invincible.”
Now that he’s back on set, Flueger says he’s more connected to the role than ever before. The time away gave him the opportunity to reflect not only on his character but also on the kind of stories he wants to help tell. “Ruzek isn’t just muscle. He’s got layers. He’s a man trying to be better, trying to heal, trying to love. That’s what makes him interesting.”
Fans can expect a deeper, more introspective Ruzek in the episodes to come. His dynamic with Burgess, especially, will be explored further—touching on issues of trust, co-parenting, and resilience. According to Flueger, “Their story is far from over. In many ways, it’s just getting started.” Flueger also took a moment to thank the loyal viewers who reached out during his absence. “The messages, the concern—it really meant a lot,” he said. “Sometimes actors step back and worry they’ll be forgotten. But the fans? They remembered. And they waited. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.”
