Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is set to have Kelli Giddish return in a larger capacity as Amanda Rollins for season 27. However, after a recent Instagram post, there are questions regarding the specifics of what Rollins’ return to SVU full-time means for her story.

Rollins is one of the strongest detectives to ever be a part of the Law & Order: SVU cast, especially due to her bond with Olivia Benson and Sonny Carisi. Amanda may be back on the show for the long haul this time around, but she could still be in the Intelligence unit and working her way back to Benson’s team.

Rollins’ Return To Law & Order: SVU Doesn’t Guarantee Her Rejoining Benson’s Team

An Instagram post shows Giddish’s SVU character, Rollins, wearing a dress, which could signify anything regarding her status. Rollins could be back in Benson’s unit and is on an undercover mission, or could be celebrating a momentous occasion with Benson or Carisi. On the other hand, Rollins may not be back on SVU and is still with her Intelligence team.

It’s been nearly three seasons since Rollins emotionally left Benson’s unit full-time to tackle a teaching position at Fordham University. However, the thrill of solving crimes and arresting perpetrators clearly never left Rollins, which is why she joined an NYPD Intelligence unit and has occasionally appeared in Law & Order: SVU season 26 during the past few years.

Can Rollins Be A Law & Order Series Regular Without Her Coming Back To SVU?

Having Rollins be a series regular on SVU again without rejoining Benson’s squad would be an unprecedented move for the Law & Order show, but it wouldn’t be out of the question. When Rollins returns full-time, she could still work with Intelligence, and Law & Order: SVU‘s season 27 premiere can provide an overview of her journey from professor to rejoining the NYPD.

Rollins and her Intelligence unit can work with Benson and SVU on one or more large-scale cases during the first few episodes of season 27. Afterward, Rollins may realize she wants to rejoin Benson and her squad so she’ll return to SVU. Amanda could also leave Intelligence prior to the season 27 premiere and rejoin SVU right off the bat.

Rollins’ return as a series regular would be a boost for Law & Order: SVU because she’s one of SVU‘s longest-running cast members. Throughout her stay on the show, she has overcome tremendous obstacles and is a diligent investigator.

Because of this, viewers are already invested in her. The set-up for Rollins’ story in Law & Order: SVU season 27 will be key in determining whether she’ll be back in Benson’s squad for good or is dancing her way towards it.