Is Atwater leaving ‘Chicago P.D.’?

Rumors about Officer Kevin Atwater’s potential departure from Chicago P.D. have been causing quite a stir among fans, leaving them anxious about the future of the beloved character. LaRoyce Hawkins, who has portrayed Atwater since the show’s premiere, has been a crucial part of the series for over a decade. Fans have deeply connected with Atwater not just as a dedicated officer, but also as a caring older brother to his younger siblings, a storyline that has shown his compassionate side.

The concern grew after Officer Atwater was absent from a recent episode, which struck fans as unusual for a regular character. In the episode titled “Paws,” Officer Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati) received a well-deserved promotion to detective, which raised some eyebrows. While many were happy for Burgess, her sudden advancement left viewers questioning the future of Atwater, who had been the trusted detective in the Intelligence Unit. His absence during this key episode fueled the rumors even further.

Over the years, Chicago P.D. has seen character departures, and fans have become accustomed to such changes. Last season, Detective Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) left the series, and more recently, Emily Martel (Victoria Cartagena) was introduced only to meet a tragic end. These changes have made fans wary, and Atwater’s absence only added to the anxiety.

However, there is no concrete evidence suggesting that LaRoyce Hawkins is leaving the show. Neither NBC nor Hawkins has confirmed any departure, and the actor even reprised his role on Chicago Med, leading some to believe his absence from Chicago P.D. may be temporary, possibly to allow for a shift in focus to other parts of the One Chicago franchise.

At this point, fans are holding out hope that Officer Atwater will return to Chicago P.D. soon and that the show will clarify his role moving forward. With no official announcements regarding Hawkins’ contract or any hints of his departure, it seems likely that Atwater’s story will continue to unfold in upcoming episodes. Fans will just have to stay tuned and hope for the best.