The set of "NCIS" must be in its most emotional state yet as the cast and crew of the hit show are still grieving the untimely passing of showrunner Gary Glasberg. However, that's not the only problem as recent rumors continue to batter the series.

Rumor has it that another core character is preparing to leave the show sometime this season. David McCallum's Donald "Ducky" Mallard is undeniably just as loved by fans as Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo was, and if he is indeed on his way out of "NCIS" season 14, a lot of fans will be disappointed.

The world was shocked when DiNozzo walked out of his life as an agent. In fact, many are still unable to swallow the hard pill. And as fans tried to cope with the premiere of "NCIS" season fourteen without him, executive producer Glasberg died in his sleep.

Television was shaken to its core when news emerged last Wednesday that Glasberg had passed away. Right after the reports came popping online, rumors started churning about Mallard's alleged upcoming departure.

Due to the multiple blows that "NCIS" has received over the past few days, some are now speculating that the long-standing series may finally receive the forbidden axe. If this happens though, many loyal followers will not be very happy at this time since everyone is still trying to cope with one core character exit and the showrunner's death.

Mallard has not yet reacted to the rumors so fans shouldn't be too worried about the reports until the actor or the network addresses the issues.

Meanwhile, "NCIS" season 14 pushes through with the episode titled "Privileged Information" this week. The said episode is expected to see Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and his team in a supposed suicide death investigation, which will be overturned by the victim's doctor who suggests that the marine sergeant found dead after falling off a building did not take his own life - he was murdered.

"NCIS" season 14 airs every Tuesday, 8 p.m. EST on CBS.