'The Walking Dead': Is Rick Grimes Really Dead?

Rick's grand exit from The Walking Dead might have arrived in shocking fashion during Sunday night's episode.

Spoilers for The Walking Dead Episode 9x04 follow. Major spoilers!

The Walking Dead Episode 9x04 tore some members for the group from one another as the divide of different beliefs on whether or not Negan should be alive grew. While Maggie head over to Negan with killing him on her mind, Daryl distracted Rick and took hm away from Alexandria. After the two talked it out in a pit, they split up in an effort to warn the camp and keep a massive walker herd from heading its way.

When Rick came upon the massive herds, his horse was startled, bucking him off and onto a rebar. He was impaled and appeared lifeless at the end of the episode. Rick Grimes, however, is not dead. Yet.

Andrew Lincoln's exit is scheduled for The Walking Dead Episode 9x05. With next Sunday's episode containing the true farewell for the character, Rick is guaranteed to survive his accident with the rebar for at least one more episode. Whether or not this injury claims him or plays a part in why he leaves Alexandria and his group of survivors behind will be revealed in the next episode.

Whether or not Rick Grimes is killed to make way for Lincoln's departure is unknown, but one specific things his fans clinging on to hope for the character: "My relationship with this part is far from over," Lincoln told ComicBook.com at San Diego Comic Con. "I'm not gonna say anything more than that but I will say, 'Watch this season.'"

Following The Walking Dead Episode 9x05, Comicbook.com's After the Dead will be live with Daryl Dixon actor Norman Reedus and executive producer Greg Nicotero from their restaurant on the show's set. To watch, follow ComicBook NOW's official Facebook page to be notified when the show is live.

The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 pm ET. Fear the Walking Dead will return for its fifth season in 2019. For complete coverage and insider info all year long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter and watch ComicBook.com's After The Dead each Sunday night following new episodes.