Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat received a two-game suspension without pay for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Currently in his eighth NFL season and his third full year with the Bears, Sweat will miss the Chicago Bears’ Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 7 game against the New England Patriots.
Sweat, who is 30 years old, will be reinstated by the league on October 23. Although the specific substance for which Sweat tested positive has not been disclosed, his suspension presents a challenge for the Bears, who are already facing issues on the defensive line.
Dayo Odeyingbo’s recent quad injury during a significant defeat to the Green Bay Packers adds to the team’s concerns. As of Monday, head coach Ben Johnson had not provided any updates regarding Odeyingbo’s status.
In response, the Bears activated Shemar Turner off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Turner has been recovering from a torn ACL suffered on October 26, 2025. However, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen noted that it is “unrealistic” to expect Turner or anyone else coming off the PUP list to be ready for “50, 60, 70 plays in a game” immediately. Thus, while Turner joins the roster, he cannot yet replace the workload Sweat typically handles.
Thus far this season, Montez Sweat has accumulated seven tackles and two sacks over the Bears’ first five games.