Thu Oct 09 02:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Jesse Lee Soffer Returns to “Chicago P.D.” – But Not As You Think!

**Chicago, IL** – Beloved “Chicago P.D.” alum Jesse Lee Soffer is back in the Windy City, but fans expecting a Detective Jay Halstead sighting will be surprised. Soffer, who played the iconic character for years, is stepping behind the camera to direct tonight’s all-new episode, “Open Wounds.”

This marks Soffer’s third directorial effort for the show, following Season 10’s “Deadlocked” and Season 11’s “Inventory.” The episode, airing tonight, October 8th, at 10/9c on NBC and available tomorrow on Peacock, promises a thrilling installment focused on Officer Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar).

The “Chicago P.D.” family is buzzing with excitement about Soffer’s return. Longtime producer Brian Luce shared his enthusiasm on Instagram, and Aguilar himself posted a heartfelt tribute, calling Soffer “a brilliant director.”

While Soffer’s directorial focus is the current reality, hope remains for a future Halstead return. In a recent interview, Soffer stated, “Never say never,” leaving the door open for a possible reprisal of his fan-favorite role. “I would be open to it,” he added, “It’s up to the writers.”

For now, fans can look forward to Soffer’s directorial skills showcased in “Open Wounds” and continue to speculate about the potential return of Detective Jay Halstead. Be sure to tune in tonight on NBC or stream it tomorrow on Peacock.

Fans can also get behind-the-scenes scoop on all things “One Chicago” by tuning into the official One Chicago Podcast, hosted by Brian Luce, available on Apple Podcasts and other streaming platforms.

Read More