Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek in Season 10 of "Chicago P.D."
Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek in Season 10 of "Chicago P.D."

The Intelligence Unit of "Chicago P.D.‘s" 21st District will be one officer short for some time this season as original cast member Patrick John Flueger takes a leave of absence from the show to deal with a personal matter, USA TODAY has confirmed.

However, Flueger, who plays Adam Ruzek in NBC's popular police drama, is expected to return later in the season.

While it is not known why the actor is stepping away temporarily from his role, Deadline reported his departure was unexpected, and scripts are being adjusted to reflect his absence.

Flueger’s Ruzek, described as "visceral cop who leads with his heart," has been an integral part of Chicago P.D.'s Intelligence Unit led by Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe). Following years of an on-off relationship, Ruzek and Detective Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), who share an adopted daughter, Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams), finally tied the knot in Season 12's finale.

'Chicago P.D.' is in its 13th season

"Chicago P.D." from Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf, is described as "a riveting police drama about the men and women of the Chicago Police Department’s elite Intelligence Unit, combatting the city’s most heinous offense."

In Season 13, which premiered Oct. 1, the Intelligence Unit "finds itself at a crossroads" where "relationships will be tested, and new faces will shake up the squad room as Sgt. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) attempts to right his ship" after his team's "disbandment by a corrupt CPD higher-up, Chief Charlie Reid (Shawn Hatosy)," according to the synopsis.

On the personal front, Ruzek navigates his marriage with Burgess as the couple contemplates leaving the big city life for the suburbs.

This is not the first time an actor has taken a break in the Chicago universe. Previously, "Chicago Fire" star Taylor Kinney also took a leave of absence to deal with personal issues, returning to the show after 10 months, according to reports in Deadline and People.

"Chicago P.D." airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and is available to stream on Peacock.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Chicago P.D.' star takes leave of absence from show to deal with personal matter

Reporting by Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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