The latest promo photos for Chicago P.D. Season 12 have officially dropped, and while they tease action-packed scenes, intense interrogations, and high-stakes drama, fans aren’t talking about what’s in the pictures. They’re talking about what—or rather, who—is missing. One glaring absence is fueling serious concern: Kim Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati, is nowhere to be seen.
With each new season, Chicago P.D. promo shots are eagerly dissected by fans, not just for clues about plotlines, but to get a glimpse of which characters will be taking center stage. In these new photos, we see Sergeant Voight brooding over case files, Atwater leading a tense street bust, Ruzek in tactical gear, and even new recruit Callum Beck (portrayed by newcomer Reed Miller) looking like he’s already knee-deep in Intelligence drama. But Burgess? Not a trace.
This is particularly unsettling considering the way last season ended. Burgess had finally reached a point of emotional and professional balance after years of trauma and personal upheaval. Her relationship with Ruzek had entered a healthier phase, they were co-parenting Makayla in harmony, and she was more confident than ever in the field. After everything she’s been through—from being shot and nearly dying to navigating PTSD and motherhood—her absence feels more than just a scheduling oversight. It feels like a red flag.
One theory gaining traction is that the character is going undercover or off-grid, possibly as part of a new storyline involving an internal investigation or personal vendetta. This would explain why she isn’t seen in scenes with the rest of the team. Some even suggest that Burgess might be the focus of an early-season disappearance arc, with the unit scrambling to find her.
Another theory, more grounded in behind-the-scenes reality, is that Marina Squerciati could be negotiating a reduced role due to other commitments or personal priorities. With multiple long-running cast members across the One Chicago franchise recently scaling back their screen time (including Tracy Spiridakos’ departure from the show as Hailey Upton), fans are bracing for another major shake-up.
But even if her absence is just temporary or strategic, it’s still significant. Burgess has been an emotional anchor for the show since Season 1. Her evolution from rookie patrol officer to hardened detective has been one of the series’ most compelling arcs. She embodies the emotional heart of Chicago P.D., often serving as the voice of empathy in Voight’s morally grey world. To imagine the team without her—even for a few episodes—feels like a major disruption.
It’s also worth noting how tightly her presence is tied to Ruzek’s storyline. The two have been on a romantic rollercoaster for nearly a decade, and last season finally gave them the stability fans have been begging for. If Burgess is gone, even temporarily, what happens to Ruzek? To Makayla? Does the happy family dynamic unravel once again?
The promo photos show Ruzek in full tactical mode, focused and serious—but he’s alone. The visual absence of Burgess next to him, especially in high-stakes scenes where they’ve historically been partners, speaks volumes. It’s a subtle yet loud reminder that something isn’t right.
Of course, it’s also possible that the showrunners are playing the long game. In recent seasons, Chicago P.D. has leaned into serialized storytelling more than ever, often planting seeds early that bloom in dramatic fashion mid-season. Burgess’ absence could be the setup for something deeply emotional or action-packed. Perhaps she’s on leave for personal reasons—recovering from trauma, protecting Makayla from new threats, or even testifying in a long-buried case.
It wouldn’t be the first time Chicago P.D. has opened a season with a key character offscreen, only to return in a jaw-dropping twist. Remember when Ruzek was presumed dead, only to be revealed as deep undercover? Or when Voight disappeared for an episode following Olinsky’s death? The show loves to keep fans guessing.
Still, that doesn’t make the worry any less real. For long-time viewers, Burgess’ journey has been a touchstone—a mirror reflecting the harsh but resilient spirit of the Intelligence Unit. She’s not just a fan favorite; she’s foundational. Seeing a promo lineup without her feels like watching a band play without its lead guitarist. The show can go on, sure—but something essential is missing.
