Fans have been wondering why Adam Ruzek is missing on Chicago PD Season 13 and where Ruzek is after noticing his absence from recent episodes. The show has now clearly explained why he stepped away.
Why is Ruzek missing from Chicago PD?
Adam Ruzek, played by Patrick John Flueger, has been a key part of the show since Season 1. Fans are used to seeing him on cases and alongside his wife, Kim Burgess, so his absence stood out in the latest season.
Chicago PD Season 13 revealed that Adam Ruzek is away from the Intelligence Unit due to a family emergency. In Season 13, Episode 9, titled “Heroes,” the show confirmed that Ruzek took time off to care for his father, Bob “Disco Bob” Ruzek (via NBC Insider).
Bob has been battling Alzheimer’s, and his condition has recently worsened. In the recent episode, Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt asked Kevin Atwater why Ruzek wasn’t at work. Atwater explained to Platt saying, “Disco Bob’s not doing too well, so he needs a little time,” adding that Ruzek needed time away to help his father.
The show had hinted at this earlier when Kim Burgess told Hank Voight that Ruzek was unavailable for a case because his father was dealing with an emergency. Since Season 12, Adam Ruzek has been helping take care of his father and taking the responsibility of his family.
Now, as Bob’s Alzheimer’s continues to worsen, Ruzek remains away from the unit. Even without Ruzek, the show still delivers intense drama. The show new officers settle in, cases heat up, and Hank Voight face pressure from Internal Affairs. For now, Ruzek remains off-screen to support his family, with his return expected once his father’s condition improves.
Chicago P.D. airs Wednesdays on NBC and streams the next day on Peacock.
