Chicago Med season 11 episode 3 recap: Will Owen survive his kidney failure?

Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 3, titled Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, premiered on October 15, 2025. After the dramatic 200th episode that aired a week prior, fans were eager to see how the emotional cliffhanger surrounding Owen's shooting would unfold.

With tensions high, this episode delves into the consequences of his injury and explores the emotional turmoil faced by the main characters. As always, Chicago Med blends medical drama with the personal struggles of its team, showing that healing isn't just about physical recovery.

Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers from Chicago Med season 11 episode 3. Reader’s discretion is required.

Owen's kidneys are irreparably damaged by his gunshot wound in Chicago Med season 11 episode 3. It causes emotional tensions, especially between Will and Natalie, who must deal with medical issues and their relationship.

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades explores family relationships and parents' sacrifices for their children through important decisions. As Natalie considers risking her pregnancy to save Owen, the episode's emotional weight builds.

With Natalie’s determination and a risky decision to donate a kidney, she fights to save Owen’s life, despite the personal and medical risks involved. Both he and the baby recover successfully.

Also read: Chicago Med season 10 recap: All to know before watching Chicago Med season 11

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Natalie’s decision in Chicago Med season 11 episode 3

A detailed recap of Chicago Med season 11 episode 3 (Image via NBC)

The episode’s ending brings a culmination of intense moments as Owen’s health reaches a turning point. After enduring hours of surgery and the revelation of his kidney condition, Natalie faces a heart-wrenching decision.

She decides to give Owen one of her kidneys even though she is pregnant. The episode's last act is full of emotional reunions. Will officially adopts Owen, strengthening their family bond despite the rough times.

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What were the challenges Owen faced after his gunshot injury?

A detailed recap of Chicago Med season 11 episode 3 (Image via NBC)

Owen getting shot set off the medical emergency in the show. At first, doctors thought the bullet had only hit Owen on the surface. But it turned out that Owen had a rare birth defect called horseshoe kidney, in which his two kidneys are joined together by a tissue junction. Even though the doctors worked hard to fix the problem, Owen's kidneys could not be saved in the end.

The doctors, including Dr. Archer and Dr. Halstead, had to think about a kidney transplant as a long-term option. Owen is started on dialysis while they look for a donor, which shows how bad the situation is. Things get worse when it's clear that Owen's life is in danger if he doesn't get a kidney transplant soon.

Also read: What role does Brendan Hines play in Chicago Med? Character details explored

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Natalie takes charge in saving Owen’s life in Chicago Med season 11 episode 3

A detailed recap of Chicago Med season 11 episode 3 (Image via NBC)

Natalie’s return to Chicago isn’t just a mother’s instinct to be with her son; it’s her resolve to fight for his life. Realizing the gravity of Owen’s condition, Natalie takes a bold step by offering to donate her own kidney, despite being pregnant with Will’s child.

This decision stirs up tension between her and Will, who is concerned for her health and that of their unborn baby. Will, however, struggles with feelings of guilt and helplessness, particularly as the situation with Owen worsens.

Natalie is still motivated, even though Will and Dr. Asher are worried about the risks to her pregnancy. She goes through tests and, much to her satisfaction, is found to be a good match.

Natalie gets very angry with Will and Asher and says they are putting the future child ahead of her son. She is very upset right now, which shows how much she wants to protect Owen, her firstborn child, no matter what.

Also read: Chicago Med season 11 episode 3 release date and time, what’s next, and everything you need to know

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What is the emotional fallout between Will and Natalie?

As the show goes on, things get worse between Will and Natalie emotionally. Will wants to help Natalie, but he also wants to protect the baby they are going to have. He feels bad about not taking Owen to the game, even though he promised to do so.

He feels worse about what he did when he reads Owen's notebook entry. In it, Owen says that he is afraid of being replaced by the new baby. Owen's vulnerable emotional state is shown by the touching note in his notebook. This is a big part of how close Will feels to his son.

Will eventually understands how he feels and says sorry for what he did. He knows how much Natalie is ready to give up and agrees with her choice to donate the kidney.

In the conclusion, Will reads Owen’s journal entry aloud and asks if Owen would be okay with him adopting him as his official father. The moment is a touching affirmation of their bond, and Owen joyfully agrees.

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How does the sperm donation controversy unfold?

A detailed recap of Chicago Med season 11 episode 3 (Image via NBC)

Dr. Frost and Dr. Lenox face a difficult ethical dilemma with Julian, a brain-dead accident victim. Though Julian doesn't want it, his parents want his sperm to produce a grandchild. After a judicial battle over sperm retrieval, Julian's wishes are honored. Frost and Lenox are affected by the case, especially Frost, who has had his wishes ignored.

Julian's parents' struggle illustrates medical ethics and personal rights' complexity. The hospital's legal team intervenes, but Julian's parents' grandchild wish is denied. This subplot contrasts the parents' selfishness with Natalie's selflessness.

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You can stream Chicago Med season 11 on NBC and Peacock.

Edited by Rajan Bhattacharya