George Eads taking a break from "CSI"

The investigators on CBS' "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" will be without forensic scientist Nick Stokes for a while.

CBS said Wednesday that George Eads is taking a leave of absence after appearing in the show's first three episodes of the upcoming season. A rep for CBS TV Studios said, "George Eads will not appear in several episodes during the first half of the season. We look forward to him returning to 'CSI' very soon."

Eads has portrayed Stokes since the series premiere in 2000. It's unclear when or if he'll return.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Eads got into an argument with a writer on the show about his character. Sources say he ended up meeting with showrunner Carol Mendelsohn

Eads' manager hasn't returned messages seeking comment.

"CSI" was the 20th most popular show on TV last week, watched by 5.8 million people. It returns for a 14th season on Sept. 25 on CBS at 10 p.m. ET. Check out photos from the upcoming season here.