Taylor Kinney's Kelly Severide will not be in the Chicago Fire season 11 finale. Earlier this year, news broke out that the actor is taking a temporary leave of absence from the show. Not much has been revealed about his abrupt exit, but there have been continued hopes that he will return in time for the finale — until now.

Per Variety, Kinney is confirmed to not be involved in the Chicago Fire season 11 finale. Titled "Red Waterfall," the outing will primarily be about work for Firehouse 51, which is vastly different from the season 10 finale that features Severide marrying long-time girlfriend, Stella Kidd.

Taylor Kinney, who last appeared during the Feb. 22 episode and stepped away to deal with a personal matter, will not return.

Will Taylor Kinney's Severide Still Return To Chicago Fire?

Chicago Fire Severide and Chief Boden looking skeptical

Months after Severide's departure, neither NBC and Wolf Entertainment nor the actor's camp has commented on the matter. There's barely any update given the status of the actor and character on the show, and it's understandable why some have growing concerns about it. While Chicago Fire offered an explanation for Severide's abrupt leave — using a world-class OFI training camp as an excuse, his extended absence is becoming alarming.

At this point, it isn't outside the realm of possibility that Kinney's temporary exit will eventually become permanent. Narratively, Chicago Fire can only use the OFI training camp for so long. Even then, it doesn't make sense that Severide is prioritizing that over Firehouse 51, not to mention his marriage. It's worth noting that just before he left, Kidd was having difficulties getting back in action following her near-death experience this season.

Only time can tell if Kinney will still return in Chicago Fire. Despite the show already being renewed, the Writers Guild Strike of 2023 can further delay his return, if he ever does. Luckily, however, viewers have something else to look forward to before the show closes out the year with Jesse Spencer's Matt Casey returning in the Chicago Fire season 11 finale.

Source: Variety