Since “NCIS” premiered in 2003, there have been countless reports suggesting that Mark Harmon’s SSA Leroy Jethro Gibbs will eventually leave the show. The actor’s health is a constant subject in the rumors of his possible exit from the police procedural series.

First, it is important to note that nothing bad has been confirmed about Harmon’s health condition. Even his TV character does not show any signs of slowing down either. But some fans might still be asking if Harmon will reprise his Gibbs role in “NCIS” season 17. The simplest answer is yes.

The 67-year-old actor has signed a contract to return for “NCIS” season 17, according to CarterMatt. And, obviously, Mark Harmon’s Gibbs has also not missed any chance of joining his younger agents — McGee (Sean Murray), Bishop (Emily Wickersham), and Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) — on the field in the nine episodes of “NCIS” season 16 that was released.

As mentioned, rumors about Mark Harmon’s possible “NCIS” departure due to his health have always been published over the years. In 2017, Radar Online reported that the actor’s physical condition was not in its best. A source said Harmon is not sick but he went through surgery to tend to an old injury.

“Because of his tough rehabilitation, he has lost weight. But he’s doing great,” the same insider added. But in the same year, the same publication also claimed that Mark Harmon might have experienced a heart attack which was why he was not seen in public for 250 days. However, Harmon or his representatives never confirmed these reports and he had since been very attached in the making of “NCIS” seasons 15 and 16.

While there is no reason to worry about Harmon or Gibbs in the health department, the NCIS senior agent might be missing some “NCIS” season 16 episodes next year. TVLine has sources saying Gibbs’ team are going to face a major ordeal with their higher-ups which might force someone to leave the agency, hopefully, temporarily.

The Secretary of Defense a.k.a. the boss of their bosses “will be out for blood upon learning that Gibbs’ team defied his wishes, breaking the law in the process.” There are following speculations that Mark Harmon’s Gibbs might sacrifice himself by voluntarily leaving the agency to take the heat off of the other NCIS agents.