Chicago P.D. Star Patrick John Flueger Returns as Ruzek After Crossover Absence

Ruzek's unceremonious comeback was a perfect fit for the Burzek storyline, even if he missed the big Upstead reunion.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:12am

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After missing the recent One Chicago crossover event, Patrick John Flueger's character Adam Ruzek made his return to Chicago P.D. in the latest episode, 'Meant to Be.' While Ruzek wasn't present for the highly anticipated reunion between former co-stars Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos, his comeback allowed the show to focus on his relationship with Burgess and their family life, which was a welcome change of pace after the crossover's dramatic events.

Why it matters

Ruzek's absence from the crossover was noticeable, as the long-running Chicago P.D. has maintained a core group of characters for years. However, the show wisely chose not to dwell on his time away, instead using his return to highlight the Burzek relationship and avoid any unnecessary drama, which was appreciated after the Upstead storyline on P.D. took a painful turn.

The details

In the episode 'Meant to Be,' it's established that Ruzek has been busy off-screen with his father, explaining his absence. His return allows the focus to shift to Ruzek and Burgess' life as parents to their daughter Makayla, exploring the challenges they face, rather than dwelling on relationship drama. The episode sets up Ruzek for a more prominent role in the next case, teasing more action to come.

  • Ruzek made his first on-screen appearance since a key Atwater episode in 2025.
  • The latest episode of Chicago P.D., 'Meant to Be,' aired on March 13, 2026.

The players

Adam Ruzek

A detective in the Chicago Police Department's Intelligence Unit, who has been a core member of the Chicago P.D. cast for over a decade.

Kim Burgess

Ruzek's on-again, off-again partner and love interest, who was recently promoted to detective.

Jay Halstead

A former member of the Intelligence Unit who recently returned to Chicago P.D. for a crossover event.

Hailey Upton

Halstead's wife, who also recently returned to Chicago P.D. for the crossover event.

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What they’re saying

“One Chicago was back to tackling separate cases in the wake of the massive three-part crossover event, but fans of Chicago P.D. still had something big to celebrate even though the reunion with Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos was brief.”

— Laura Hurley, Writer (CinemaBlend)

“Ruzek's unceremonious return was perfect for Burzek, as far as I'm concerned, because I was far more interested in getting glimpses of their home life and the hurdles they're encountering as Makayla's parents than I would have been in any relationship drama.”

— Laura Hurley, Writer (CinemaBlend)

What’s next

The promo for the next episode of Chicago P.D. indicates that Ruzek will have a more prominent role, with more action to come.

The takeaway

Ruzek's return to Chicago P.D. was a welcome change of pace, allowing the show to focus on the Burzek relationship and their family life rather than dwelling on drama. This approach was appreciated by fans after the emotional events of the recent One Chicago crossover.