Ruzek was missing from the new Chicago P.D. episode. Again. It got fans worried about why the character hasn’t returned with the winter episodes.
Fans definitely noticed that Officer Adam Ruzek was not in the fall finale, but the character has also been absent from the first two episodes of 2026.
The writers did drop a few breadcrumbs, though. So anyone multitasking during the latest episode may have missed a few throwaway lines.
As previously reported by Tea on TV, we guessed correctly why Ruzek was missing in action.
What happened to Ruzek on Chicago P.D.?
The January 14 episode (Heroes) focused on Sergeant Trudy Platt. It was wonderful to see actress Amy Morton get to stretch out again. We don’t get enough episodes where Platt is the leading character, and again, we saw that the Chicago P.D. cast has a great actress hidden in plain sight.
Early in the night, Platt was trying to give out assignments to the precinct’s officers. Officer Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) entered, to whom Platt asked about the whereabouts of Ruzek.
“Where is Ruzek?” Platt called to Atwater as he was walking by the desk.
“Disco Bob’s not doing too well, so he needs a little time,” Atwater responded. “Still skeleton, baby.”
“Baby!?” Platt uttered under her breath with a scowl on her face.
Atwater walked off smiling, knowing he had riled up the sergeant.
Disco Bob is Ruzek’s father. He’s a former cop who has been dealing with Alzheimer’s. Last season, Ruzek got his dad into a long-term care facility close to them (Ruzek and Kim Burgess). But in the winter premiere, Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati) insinuated that Bob’s condition had worsened.
Without Ruzek, Intelligence is working short-handed, which has placed an additional burden on Platt as she tries to control coverage of her precinct.
An update on Adam Ruzek and Patrick Flueger
The great news is that Ruzek will appear in future episodes. Patrick Flueger was recently seen on set, as he is back for filming new content. This should make life easier for the writers.
As for which episode will mark his return, it may come after the 2026 Winter Olympics. That coverage will dominate primetime through most of February.
More news and notes from the One Chicago shows
Online rumors claim Jason Beghe is leaving Chicago P.D. He has played Hank Voight for many years.
Chicago Fire will soon see the return of a fan-favorite character. Fans should enjoy the upcoming episode.
