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'Chicago P.D.' season 7: What to expect in episode 1 following Jon Seda's exit

'Chicago P.D.' is set to return in a few days and fans are speculating on how Antonio Dawson's absence could be explained in the show. We take a look at where the new season could go

As Season 6 of 'Chicago P.D.' ended, the newly-elected Mayor Kilton was found shot dead in his home. We also know that Voight had gone to Mayor Kelton's house because the latter threatened to split up the Intelligence Unit - this prompted Halstead to declare to Upton that if the Unit were to be split up, he would be where she goes. Meanwhile, Ruzek is in jail following an internal affairs investigation for covering up for Antonio and as the episode closes, Antonio is seen in his car, popping a pill.

Jon Seda's departure from the show was announced before the finale and unlike Colin Donnell and Norma Kuhling who will come back for the 'Chicago Med' premiere to wrap up their characters' storylines (Dr. Connor Rhodes and Dr. Ava Bekker), Seda has not been confirmed to return to the premiere. So how will the absence of Seda's Detective Antonio Dawson be explained?

As showrunner Rick Eid told TVLine, the Intelligence Unit will ultimately figure out what is going on with Antonio. Could this mean that Antonio has gone off on a bender like Sophia Bush's Erin Lindsay did at the end of Season 2 when Nadia was killed? In the season 3 premiere, her partner Halstead tried to shake her out of it, asking her to come back to work. It was only later on learning that Halstead's life was in danger during a mission that she came back. Antonio may not completely disappear from the show, even in the wake of Seda's departure. It could be possible that Antonio goes on an undercover mission, leaving the door open should Seda ever want to return.

Then there is Ruzek. According to Eid, Ruzek realizes that he does not do well in small, confined spaces after his night in jail. Ruzek's story is another way in which Antonio's absence could be used. Perhaps, Antonio confesses so that Ruzek is released from jail. And Ruzek's night in jail could dictate his story going forward in the season. Ruzek had many tough moments in the previous season, having confrontations with Antonio after Olinsky's death and clashing with Upton with respect to the ethics of the team, even after he started hooking up with her.In Season 7, Ruzek's night in jail might force him to take a step back and reevaluate his choices.

When Mayor Kelton's homicide is being investigated, there is no doubt that Hank Voight is one of the top suspects after the latter's visit to the former's home. In the promo for the premiere, Halstead is seen confronting Voight about his probable role in Kelton's death. Will Voight walk away as he has so far or will he start to pay for his misdoings this season?

Chicago P.D returns to NBC on September 25th, 2019.