Is Lincoln leaving Grey’s Anatomy? Details explored

Season 21 of Grey’s Anatomy ended on a shocking cliffhanger that left the audience wondering about the fate of many of the characters on the ABC drama series. Namely, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Atticus “Link” Lincoln, portrayed by Chris Carmack. Fans of the show can finally take a breather, as the premiere episode of Season 22 revealed that Link is going to survive and will remain a part of the series.

The episode titled Only the Strong Survive takes the audience through the aftermath of the explosion at the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital that left the staff of the hospital scrambling to save lives. In the previous season, Link and Dr. Jo Wilson (played by Camilla Luddington) get married and learn that she is pregnant with twins.

At the end, Link heads for surgery when the explosion takes place on the OR floor. In the new season premiere episode, it is revealed that he manages to survive as he receives emergency treatment from his colleagues. In an interview with TVLine, Carmack shared that he knew the fate of the character beforehand. He said,

“Yeah, I knew I was going to survive the blast, but I didn’t know what was going to happen, except that he was going to have a bad injury. Reading it on the page was a bit of a nail biter. Also, I didn’t know anyone else’s storyline, so I had no idea if anyone else was going to make it.”

Is Lincoln leaving Grey’s Anatomy?

The answer to this burning question that haunted the fans of the drama series for several months is a big 'No.' Lincoln will remain a part of Grey’s Anatomy. In the premiere episode of Season 22 titled Only the Strong Survive, Link was about to perform a surgery when the explosion took place. He is found unconscious in a critical state with a beam on his chest. His survival seems dicey, as he even shares an emotional farewell with Jo.

Jo is seen trying to stay composed as Link gets an emergency surgery. The stressful moments, however, lead to a happy ending as Link survives. That said, he was seriously injured and his future as an orthopedic surgeon remains uncertain.

Carmack shared that Link will be seen navigating through some unexpected challenges in the upcoming episodes of Grey’s Anatomy as he sets on the path of recovery. He said,

“Yes, so in terms of his recovery, his injuries are pretty extensive. He wants to get back to surgery and being a surgeon, but at this point, he identifies most as being a new father. He’s got twins on the way, and he wants to be able to hold them and help Jo and be the father and husband that he wants to be. After the physical injuries he endures, he’s not going to be that man right away. So, first and foremost on his mind is recovery.”

Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 premiered on October 9, 2025, on ABC. The season will comprise 18 episodes. The cast of the series includes Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Kevin McKidd, Kim Raver, Jason George, Scott Speedman, and Anthony Hill, among others.

Watch Grey’s Anatomy Season 22, Episode 2, titled We Built This City, on October 16, 2025, on ABC.

ALSO READ: The only Abbott Elementary Season 4 recap you need before Season 5 premieres this October

Trending

For more stories on shows, follow SoapCentral.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback