Is anyone confirmed to be leaving Chicago PD? (2023 cast updates)

Chicago PD is always good for a cliffhanger. Given the deadly profession that the main characters work in, it makes sense that at least one of their lives will be hanging in the balance by the time the finale fades to black, and season 10 was no different.

Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) took a gunshot wound to the gut after his undercover status was blown, and despite being rushed to the hospital by the rest of the IU, things looked pretty dire for the character. He’s the one that fans will no doubt be wringing their hands over when the show returns in the fall. Is there a chance he doesn’t make it?

Is Ruzek going to die on Chicago PD?

Historically, One Chicago likes to kill main characters off during season premieres. Chicago Fire is perhaps the most notable example of this, with the deaths of both Shay (Lauren German) and Otis (Yuri Sardarov) occurring during first episodes.

It has been a while since a major death occurred on Chicago PD, so axing Ruzek would definitely be a way to shock the viewers and remind them all that the IU is not a job one can make too mistakes in.

NBC has also ordered that PD cut down their budgets next year, and do so by making sure that characters who usually appear in each episode will miss 3-4 episodes instead. While it would be taking this new rule to the extreme, getting rid of the Ruzek character would indeed cut down on the show’s cost.

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Here’s the thing though: viewers would be pissed. Ruzek has a relationship with Burgess (Marina Squierciati) that’s finally starting to mend, and he’s been a father figure for Burgess’ daughter, Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams). Having to watch as both women deal with the loss of a man who means so much to them might be too much to handle, especially given how much they all have gone through in recent years.

While Ruzek is the only character who’s realistically on the chopping block for season 11, we think the show will allow him to make a full recovery and keep him around for future cases.

For the latest Chicago PD spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.