Jesse Lee Soffer.Photo: Lori Allen/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Detective Jay Halstead won’t likely be back on the streets of the Windy City to solve another case case any time soon, but recently departed starJesse Lee Sofferis reportedly returning toChicago P.D.to step behind the camera.
Soffer is booked to direct the 16th episode of the 10th season, which is scheduled to air in 2023, according toVariety.
Soffer exited the series earlier this month, after hisannouncing his departurein August.
“I want to thank the incredible fans for their unwavering support during the past 10 years and want to express my deepest gratitude toDick Wolfand everyone at Wolf Entertainment, Peter Jankowski, Matt Olmstead, Derek Haas, Michael Brandt, Rick Eid, Gwen Sigan, NBC, Universal Television, my fellow castmates and our incredible crew,” Soffer said in astatement.
Soffer starred in the police procedural drama, which premiered in 2014, for 189 episodes. As an original cast member of the series, Soffer became one of the show’s leading names — and his character grew into a detective of prominence, appearing in every episode until his last on Oct. 5.
Lori Allen/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Not long after viewers saw Soffer’s characterturn in his badge, the actortweeteda message of appreciation. “For anyone that’s ever been a Halstead fan, I just want you to know that I’m grateful,” he wrote. “Thank you for going on this journey with me. I’m just grateful.”
Soffer is the fourth original cast member to leave the series.Sophia Bush, who played Erin Lindsay, left at the end of season 4; Elias Koteas departed in season 5 when his character Alvin Olinsky died in the line of duty, andJon Seda, a.k.a. Antonio Dawson, exited in season 6.
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Chicago P.D.airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.
source: people.com