‘The Flash’ Season 5: Joe West Actor on Medical Leave Due to Back Injury

Fans may have noticed that Detective Joe West (Jesse L. Martin) has been sitting down in most of his scenes in “The Flash” Season 5. It is rather peculiar at first, but now the reason for this has been revealed.

Apparently, Martin suffered a back injury during the show's hiatus, and now he has to take some time off to nurse it back to health. “Jesse Martin is taking a medical leave of absence from The Flash. We wish him a full and speedy recovery and look forward to his return as Detective Joe West,” Warner Bros. Television said in a statement, via IGN.

“Nothing specific is offered regarding how the veteran actor earned the injury or what treatment is required. Although it didn't preclude him from taking part in season 5's early episodes, it did, however, restrict his presence on the show and is clearly an ongoing issue,” John Atkinson said in his piece on ScreenRant.

At the moment, no one really knows how long Martin is going to be missing from “The Flash” Season 5, but TVLine has reported that Joe’s absence will be addressed at some point on the show. While Martin’s injury has restricted his movements, his character continues to play an integral part in “The Flash” Season 5.

Earlier in the season, Joe and Cecile (Danielle Nicolet) brought their newborn daughter Jenna home, and while he continues to take care of the baby, Joe also has to support Iris (Candice Patton) as she continues to deal with the presence of her daughter from the future, Nora (Jessica Parker Kennedy). He even encountered Cicada (Chris Klein) as the villain took him as a hostage.

Meanwhile, “The Flash” Season 5 will continue after the midterm elections. Episode 5 is scheduled to air on November 13, so don’t forget to check it out.