<\/p>\n
Chicago P.D.<\/em><\/a> is down a cast member as Patrick John Flueger<\/a> is taking a sudden leave of absence from the show to deal with a personal matter.<\/p>\n As first reported by Deadline<\/em><\/a>, Flueger, who plays Adam Ruzek on the hit NBC police drama, has temporarily exited the show to handle a personal situation. He is expected to return later in the season; the show is currently airing its 13th season.<\/p>\n According to Deadline<\/em>, Flueger\u2019s departure came unexpectedly, and scripts are now being reworked to reflect his character\u2019s absence.\u00a0A source told the outlet that Flueger has been going through a \u201cdifficult period personally,\u201d including \u201can instance of alcohol use on set.\u201d<\/p>\n Flueger\u2019s Ruzek has been a key part of the show since he joined the cast in 2014, notably for his on-and-off romance with Detective Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati<\/a>). Ruzek and Burgess finally tied the knot in the Season 12 finale.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted the classic wedding. I\u2019m glad it was in a church. I\u2019m glad it was a real wedding. They deserve it,\u201d Squerciati previously told People<\/em><\/a> when speaking about Ruzek and Burgess\u2019 relationship.<\/p>\n \u201cPatty and I have great chemistry and he\u2019s my best friend in the whole world,\u201d she added. \u201cI think that that chemistry just shows and we love working together.\u201d<\/p>\n Season 12 also saw Ruzek\u2019s father, Disco Bob (Jack Coleman<\/a>), diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s. Back in January, Flueger spoke with TV Insider<\/a> about working on this emotional story, praising his co-star Coleman.<\/p>\n \u201cJack Coleman actually deals with dementia in his own personal life, not for himself, but for a loved one,\u201d Flueger revealed. \u201cSo he understands exactly how to tap into that to a degree that \u2014 we speed things up because it\u2019s TV, we gotta tell the story the right way, but my God, if he doesn\u2019t just knock this thing out of the park, it\u2019s heartbreaking.\u201d<\/p>\n As for filming the emotional scene where Bob told Ruzek about his diagnosis, Flueger said, \u201cIt was tough. It was hard. It was really heartbreaking, but also easy because it was so heartbreaking and that\u2019s how it should be, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t the first time the Chicago<\/em> franchise, produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment, has accommodated an actor who required a break for personal matters. Taylor Kinney<\/a>, who plays Lieutenant Kelly Severide on Chicago Fire<\/em><\/a>, previously took a leave of absence<\/a> and returned to the show 10 months later. Kinney\u2019s absence was also due to him needing to \u201cdeal with a personal matter.\u201d<\/p>\n Chicago P.D.<\/em>, Wednesdays, 10\/9c, NBC<\/strong><\/p>\n If you or someone you know has addiction issues, contact the <\/span><\/i>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u2018s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n