Don't worry, Hank Voight will be returning to Chicago PD (very) soon

Where the heck was Hank Voight? This is the question that was running through all of our heads as Chicago PD made its triumphant return. The rest of the episode, "Buried Pieces," was a nail-biter and one of the best of season 11, but the nagging concern in the back of our minds lingered: will Voight be gone for the rest of the season? Is he taking an extended leave of absence?

The IU boss announced he was going to be out of town for a few days at the beginning of the episode, but that could mean anything in TV jargon. Voight could have popped back up by the end of the episode or not returned until season 12 for all we know. Fortunately, NBC has provide some info to quell all of our collective concern.

Hank Voight will return for the May 8 episode

Hank Voight will be coming back to Chicago PD in season 11, and it will actually be sooner than the latest episode suggested. The promo photos for the May 8 episode, "Water Line," have dropped, and they feature the veteran officer front-and-center.

We get to see Voight investigating a harrowing case involving multiple armed robberies alongside Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos). He appears during one of the crime scene clean ups, and can also be seen holding a gun and entering an unknown residence.

A Voight absence is a true rarity within Chicago PD. Jason Beghe, the man who plays Voight, had previously been tied for the most screen appearances in the show's history, but his absence means that the title has become a two-way tie between co-stars Patrick John Flueger and Marina Squerciati.

Jason Beghe isn't leaving the show

Despite his absence, Beghe has assured fans he isn't going anywhere. During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor said he wants to keep playing Voight for as long as possible:

"l'll always be a part of Chicago PD. That, I know. I certainly have the interest. So, I’m not done, I have more to do, and I’m anxious to do it. I love my job."

Consider us relieved. We're already preparing to lose Upton, so it's nice to know Voight is around for the long haul.