Jesse Lee Soffer could still return to Chicago PD (and here's how)

As much as we would love to see Jesse Lee Soffer return to Chicago PD as Jay Halstead, that’s not likely happening. That doesn’t mean the actor can’t return at all.

Soffer left Chicago PD during the third episode of Season 10. In a shocking turn of events, Halstead turned in his badge and gun and reenlisted in the Army. He didn’t even give Upton much of a chance to talk to him about it, and then eventually wound up ghosting her as he extended his reenlistment.

Soffer has already been back with his castmates, but not returned on the screen. He returned to direct an episode in Season 10. We could see that happen again.

Jesse Lee Soffer left Chicago PD on his own accord

There are usually two reasons for actors to leave a series. It’s either their choice to walk away, or it’s a creative choice. In this case, it was Soffer’s decision. Having been with the series since it’s start—even being in episodes of Chicago Fire—he decided that it was time to do something new. We can’t really fault him as an actor for wanting to do something else.

That does keep the door open for Soffer to return in some sort of way. It opened the door for him to direct more, and one of those episodes was Chicago PD. The show is sure to have him back if schedules align.

The problem will be getting schedules to align.

FBI: International films in Europe

We recently reported that Soffer has landed a new acting gig. He’s staying in the Dick Wolf universe, but not as Halstead. He also won’t be in the United States for filming. Soffer is joining FBI: International in Season 4, which films across Europe.

This will make it difficult for schedules to align. It means a lot of travel if he were to do an episode.

While the other two FBI shows are going to see characters not be in all episodes, the same wasn’t said for FBI: International, which already has a much smaller team. This would suggest that Soffer is needed for all episodes of the season, so no break to quickly fly across to Chicago to direct an episode.

We can dream, though!

What would be fun is if the Fly Team mentions how Soffer’s character looks familiar to someone in the CPD and now Army. They missed that chance with Colin Donnell when he guest-starred as Brian Lange.