It’s official — one of Chicago P.D.’s most beloved stars is stepping away from the hit NBC drama, leaving fans both shocked and concerned about what this means for the future of the Intelligence Unit. As Season 13 continues to deliver emotional depth and unexpected twists, the news of a temporary departure has set the One Chicago fandom abuzz.
While the Chicago P.D. cast is no stranger to change, this leave of absence carries significant weight. Sources close to the production have confirmed that the decision was a mutual one between the actor and the show’s producers, designed to give the performer time to rest and focus on personal projects while allowing the series to explore new storylines. The timing suggests the character’s exit will be written seamlessly into the show’s narrative — not as a farewell, but as a pause.
Though details remain under wraps, fans suspect the storyline will be emotionally charged, with showrunner Gwen Sigan hinting that upcoming episodes will “test every member of the unit in unexpected ways.” This could mean that the character’s departure will tie into a larger plot arc involving recent cases, or perhaps serve as the emotional fallout from a traumatic event that’s been building all season.
The break comes at a time when Chicago P.D. has been leaning heavily into character-driven storytelling. Recent episodes have focused on Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) grappling with his inner demons, Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) trying to stabilize their complicated relationship, and Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) struggling to hold his team together amid mounting pressure. The absence of one of the core members will no doubt shake up the team dynamic — and possibly lead to new alliances within the Intelligence Unit.
Fans have taken to social media to express their support for the actor, with many praising Chicago P.D.’s long-standing ability to balance action with emotional authenticity. The show has a history of handling cast departures and returns gracefully — from Jay Halstead’s (Jesse Lee Soffer) emotional exit to Hailey Upton’s (Tracy Spiridakos) evolving storyline — and this upcoming absence is expected to follow suit.
As for when the star will be back, reports indicate the actor is expected to return later in the season, possibly after a few episodes. NBC has yet to release an official statement, but insiders suggest the door is “wide open” for the character’s comeback.
Until then, fans can expect Chicago P.D. to keep delivering high-stakes cases and intense emotional drama — the kind of storytelling that has kept viewers coming back for over a decade.
