As Chicago P.D. fans eagerly awaited the release of the new promo photos for Season 12, there was one glaring absence that left everyone in a state of panic: Kim Burgess, portrayed by Marina Squerciati, was nowhere to be seen. This omission has sparked a wave of theories, concern, and speculation about the fate of the beloved character.

What’s Missing in the Promo Photos?

The new Chicago P.D. Season 12 photos showcase some of the usual suspects, with Sergeant Voight immersed in case files, Atwater leading a high-stakes bust, and even new recruit Callum Beck, played by Reed Miller, diving headfirst into the action. But Burgess? Not a single shot. The absence of the character is hard to ignore, especially given the dramatic way last season ended. After surviving a near-death experience and enduring significant personal struggles, Burgess finally found a sense of peace, both professionally and personally. Her absence now raises more questions than answers.

Why the Absence?

One of the main theories circulating is that Burgess is going undercover or taking some time off-grid for an investigation. This could be part of a larger, more complex storyline, perhaps involving an internal investigation or a vendetta. Some fans speculate that her disappearance may serve as a dramatic early-season arc, with the Intelligence Unit scrambling to find their missing colleague. Her absence could lead to intense emotional moments for the team, especially as they deal with the fallout.

However, there’s also speculation that the decision might be tied to real-world factors. With multiple One Chicago stars, including Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton from Chicago Fire), scaling back their roles, there’s a possibility that Squerciati might be stepping back for personal or professional reasons. This could mean a temporary reduction in screen time, perhaps due to other commitments. While this may not be permanent, it still adds an extra layer of concern for fans who have grown attached to Burgess’ presence in the show.

Burgess and Ruzek: A Pivotal Relationship

For many viewers, Burgess isn’t just a key player in the unit — she’s the emotional heart of Chicago P.D.. Over the years, her evolution from rookie officer to respected detective has been a central narrative thread. She’s often the voice of empathy in a world filled with moral ambiguity, especially when dealing with the gruff and morally complex Hank Voight.

But what’s even more concerning is the absence of Burgess alongside Adam Ruzek. The two characters have had a tumultuous but deep romantic connection, and last season finally gave fans the stability they’d long been hoping for. Their partnership both on and off the job has been a fan favorite, and the promo photos showing Ruzek in full tactical gear, but alone, is a stark reminder of how important Burgess is to his storyline.

If she is gone, even temporarily, the question arises: What will happen to Ruzek and Makayla? Can their new, fragile family dynamic hold up without Burgess by his side?

Could There Be a Bigger Plot Twist?

As many fans know, Chicago P.D. thrives on its ability to surprise and shock viewers with unexpected twists. The absence of Burgess in the promo could very well be part of a longer, serialized plot, where her disappearance plays a key role later in the season. Could it be the start of a deeply emotional journey for her character, perhaps involving personal trauma, new threats, or even legal issues?

Season openings have seen key characters offscreen before, only to return in dramatic fashion. For example, Ruzek was once presumed dead after an undercover operation, and Voight disappeared after the traumatic loss of Olinsky. If Burgess is missing for now, there’s a good chance her absence will set the stage for a major reveal or plot development in the coming episodes.

The Unspoken Fear: Will Chicago P.D. Be the Same Without Burgess?

For long-time fans, Burgess has been an integral part of Chicago P.D.. From the moment she entered the scene, she became a cornerstone of the Intelligence Unit, providing both emotional depth and strength. Her absence — even if temporary — creates a void that’s hard to ignore. Burgess isn’t just a fan favorite; she’s foundational to the show.

As the premiere approaches, the lingering question remains: How will the show cope without her for a few episodes? And, perhaps more importantly, how will the team — and Ruzek — deal with the fallout of her absence?