Is Cruz leaving Chicago Fire
The gist
Joe Miñoso made his final series-regular appearance as firefighter Joe Cruz in Chicago Fire's 300th episode Nov. 4.
The spinal-injury exit ends a 15-season run, but Miñoso stays on to direct.
How it unfolded
- Jul 29, 2026Deadline reports Joe Miñoso, on Chicago Fire since Season 1, is departing the NBC drama and will appear in a handful of episodes at the start of Season 15 to wrap Joe Cruz's arc.
- Oct 8, 2026Showrunner Victor Teran explains Cruz is paralyzed with a fractured spine after the Season 15 premiere injury, setting up his exit.
- Oct 21, 2026A first look at the 300th episode shows Cruz in a wheelchair following his injury, with the hour serving as his farewell.