"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" star William Petersen will be back next year for the CBS drama's ninth season, but in a somewhat reduced capacity.

According to the industry trade papers, Petersen has signed a one-year deal with CBS Paramount Network TV to continue his role as Gil Grissom on the popular procedural.

Petersen, who also serves as executive producer on the "CSI" mothership, will make a reported $600,000 per-episode, though neither trade knows exactly how many episodes the actor would be planning to miss.

Last season, Petersen took a hiatus from the series to do the play "Dublin Carol" in Providence, R.I. Tony-winning actor Liev Schreiber filled in in his absence.

Petersen is hoping for another shot at "Dublin Carol," this time in Chicago, to go up from Nov. 13-Dec. 21 at the Upstairs Theatre.