The NCIS: Los Angeles team may soon lose a member, but it may not be in the way you might think.

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Actors from the CBS series spent part of season 5 teasing a major character departure, but nothing really came of their comments. However, between Kensi's (Daniela Ruah) time abroad and Hetty's (Linda Hunt) mysterious trip to D.C. during the final, the series may have delivered on their promise without actually removing anyone from the program.

According to TV Line, the so-called "lost" team member merely referred to Kensi, who essentially left the team when she went to Afghanistan.

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Despite this, a quote from Ruah herself indicates that the alleged departure would happen at the end of the season. Kensi, however, left for the Middle East just before Christmas.

"What I heard is that there will be a character leaving at the end of this season, or towards the end of this season," Ruah said, according to E!. "That's what I've heard. I don't know who it is. It might be me! Who knows?"

Does this mean that Ruah was referring to Hetty's trip at the end of "Deep Trouble"? While there has been no official announcement indicating that Hunt is leaving the CBS drama in an official capacity, Hetty did technically "leave" when she was recalled to the East Coast in the season 5 finale. It is still unknown whether or not she will return to her position with the Office of Special Operations during "Deep Trouble: Part 2."

If TV Line is correct, then Hetty should be back with her handpicked team in no time.

Find out more when NCIS: LA returns to CBS this fall. Click the video below to see a preview for the series' latest episode, "Deep Trouble."