diff --git a/drivers/scsi/qedf/qedf_io.c b/drivers/scsi/qedf/qedf_io.c
index 63f99f4eeed9..472374d83ced 100644
--- a/drivers/scsi/qedf/qedf_io.c
+++ b/drivers/scsi/qedf/qedf_io.c
@@ -2268,6 +2268,7 @@ process_els:
 	    io_req->tm_flags == FCP_TMF_TGT_RESET) {
 		clear_bit(QEDF_CMD_OUTSTANDING, &io_req->flags);
 		io_req->sc_cmd = NULL;
+		kref_put(&io_req->refcount, qedf_release_cmd);
 		complete(&io_req->tm_done);
 	}