Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat was suspended two games without pay for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Sweat, who is in his eighth NFL season, his third full year with the Bears, will miss Chicago’s Week 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 7 against the New England Patriots.
The 30-year-old will be reinstated by the league on Oct. 23.
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Montez Sweat of the Chicago Bears reacts after a sack during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Sept. 13, 2026. (Getty Images)
The substance Sweat tested positive for was not disclosed.
Sweat’s suspension comes at a time when the Bears are already dealing with trouble on the defensive line in terms of personnel. Dayo Odeyingbo left the Bears’ blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday with a quad injury, and he never returned to the game.
As of Monday, head coach Ben Johnson didn’t provide an update on Odeyingbo.
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Montez Sweat of the Chicago Bears reacts after a sack during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Sept. 13, 2026. (Getty Images)
The Bears did, however, activate Shemar Turner off the physically unable to perform list. He had been recovering from a torn ACL he suffered on Oct. 26, 2025.
But defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said it “would be unrealistic to think” anyone off the PUP list would be ready for “50, 60, 70 plays in a game.” So, Turner’s addition isn’t one that can take over the workload that Sweat provides, at least in the immediate.
Montez Sweat of the Chicago Bears reacts following a sack during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Sept. 13, 2026. (Getty Images)
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This season, Sweat has tallied seven tackles and two sacks across the Bears’ first five games.