‘One Chicago’ crossover brings back two beloved stars but a favorite ‘Chicago PD’ character is missing
Just when you think everyone’s suiting up for the big night, one badge is missing. Fans had been crossing their fingers, hoping Adam Ruzek would stride back into the bullpen in time for the 2026 ‘One Chicago’ crossover. The annual three-show event is basically appointment television for this universe. Except this time, it looks like one pair of hands won’t be there. Patrick John Flueger is not expected to appear in the upcoming crossover, meaning Ruzek will sit this one out. For those who’ve been keeping track, Flueger stepped away from ‘Chicago P.D.’ earlier in Season 13.
Back in October 2025, only a few weeks after the new season kicked off, news broke that he was taking a sudden leave of absence due to personal matters. Details were scarce. Actually, that’s putting it lightly. There were almost none. Episodes rolled on, but Ruzek? Nowhere to be seen. It wasn’t until the winter premiere that the show finally offered an in-story reason. Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) shared that Ruzek had rushed off to deal with an emergency involving his father, whose health has been fragile. That line filled in the blank.
Around the same time, reports surfaced that Flueger had returned to set and resumed filming in mid-December. That sparked hope among fans. If he was back behind the scenes, surely his on-screen return couldn’t be far off, right? Well, not yet. NBC recently released a batch of promotional images for the massive ‘One Chicago’ crossover event airing March 4, and fans immediately started scanning each photo like detectives themselves. Familiar faces everywhere, but no Ruzek. Not a single frame includes him. And then there’s that group photo. The one that hits you in the chest a little.
The image features the active Season 13 cast standing together, joined by returning favorites Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos. Seeing those two back alongside the current team feels like a reunion you didn’t know you needed. Meanwhile, the ‘One Chicago’ crossover airs Wednesday, March 4, on NBC, and it’s expected to throw all three departments into the same crisis. It will once again unite the heroes of ‘Chicago Med’, ‘Chicago Fire’, and ‘Chicago P.D.’ for a high-stakes event that spills across all three hours of primetime.
These episodes are usually packed with tension, big rescues, interdepartmental teamwork, and the kind of cliffhangers that make you shout at your TV. And yet, one of Intelligence’s longtime members won’t be in formation. At the same time, there’s a silver lining. Flueger is reportedly back at work, which means Ruzek’s return isn’t a matter of if, but when. There’s even a decent chance he could pop back up shortly after the crossover wraps.
