The preview for the upcoming episode of season 11 of Criminal Minds was recently revealed and the BAU will be tracking a criminal with a peculiar weapon -- sleep deprivation.

JJ's Husband To Return In Season 11? 

The very brief teaser for the episode, titled "Awake," doesn't give much away except of showing the perpetrator walking up to a broken down vehicle in the dead of the night.

Here's the synopsis:

"The BAU hunts a serial killer in Phoenix, Arizona who tortures his victims using sleep deprivation. Meanwhile, as JJ struggles to balance her job with an additional baby to care for, Hotch and Garcia deal with imminent threats from the dark-net group of hitmen, "The Dirty Dozen"."

Showrunner 'Absolutely Wants' Jane Lynch Back In Season 11   

Meanwhile, speculation is rife about Aisha Tyler having left the show, with perhaps the odd guest appearance reserved for her in the future.

Previously, in an interview showrunner Erica Messer revealed that while Tyler had signed on for only six episodes -- essentially to make up for A.J. Cook's absence during this period -- they were hoping to extend her contract and stick on for a while. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Messer revealed her intentions for Tyler, who joined Criminal Minds in the part of Dr. Lewis, who is a forensic psychologist:

"She's a forensic psychologist whose expertise has been studying and interviewing serial killers once they've been caught to see if they are able to stand trial. It's a different skill set than our team in the field touching these guys, but she's up of the challenge for that and really excited to join the best unit out there."

She added that nothing was set in stone yet, and while they have signed a contract for a bunch of episodes with Tyler there has been any news of an extension. "For those six episodes that AJ is gone and JJ is on maternity leave, Aisha will be our female in the fold with the team and helping them solve the cases. We love her so much that we're hoping to extend her stay with us. The deal is not totally done yet so I can't really talk about it but we are hoping to have her in quite a few more episodes this season, not just the initial six." 

The episode will air on Nov. 18 on CBS.

Watch the preview:

Tags: Criminal Minds CBS television