Chicago Bears edge rusher Montez Sweat has been suspended for two games without pay for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy, sidelining the team’s highest-paid player for upcoming matchups against the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots while straining an already depleted defensive line.
The NFL announced the disciplinary action on Tuesday, confirming that Sweat will be barred from the field until his reinstatement on October 23 as the league mandated. The timing compounds a difficult stretch for the franchise, arriving directly on the heels of a 31-7 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
The penalty aligns with the standard league discipline for a first-time offender testing positive for a stimulant, diuretic, or masking agent. General manager Ryan Poles originally traded a second-round pick to the Washington Commanders to acquire Sweat three years ago, subsequently signing the pass rusher to a four-year extension worth $98 million.
BREAKINGFrom the NFL league office:Montez Sweat of the Chicago Bears is suspended for the club’s next two games without pay for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy. Sweat will be eligible for reinstatement on Friday, October 23, following the Bears’…
— https://x.com/danwiederer/status/2110100540474749120
Defensive Depth Strained by Suspension and Injuries
Sweat’s absence deprives the Bears of their most established pass rusher during a critical stretch of the schedule. Through the first five games of the season, the eighth-year veteran has recorded seven tackles and two sacks alongside a modest quarterback pressure rate. While those early numbers trail his production from previous years—including a team-high 10 sacks during the 2025 campaign that helped secure an NFC North title—opposing offenses still scheme heavily around his presence on the edge.
The team’s defensive front is ill-equipped for a sudden absence. Fellow edge defender Dayo Odeyingbo exited Sunday’s loss to Green Bay with a quadriceps injury and did not return leaving his availability for upcoming games in question. With Odeyingbo’s status uncertain and Sweat sidelined, the defensive rotation faces heavy pressure just as the team prepares to visit Atlanta. Odeyingbo has accumulated three sacks and 14 pressures across the opening five games, giving him the team lead in pressures and second place in sacks.
The Bears activated DE Shemar Turner off the PUP list. He will take Montez Sweat's spot on the 53-man roster. Sweat is suspended for the next 2 games and eligible to return on day after the Bears play the Patriots in Week 7. Turner's 21-day practice window closes tomorrow. If…
— https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/2110110943594127601
Shemar Turner Activated From Reserve List
To help stabilize the 53-man roster, the Bears activated second-year defensive lineman Shemar Turner off the physically unable to perform list taking Sweat’s open spot. Turner missed the entire training camp and the opening weeks of the season while recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee sustained on October 26, 2025 during his rookie campaign. During his initial rookie season, he appeared in five contests and totaled six tackles, which included two tackles for loss.
Team leadership cautioned against expecting an immediate heavy workload from the returning youngster. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen noted that would be unrealistic to think
any player returning from a long-term reserve list could instantly handle regular starter snaps.
“would be unrealistic to think” anyone off the PUP list would be ready for “50, 60, 70 plays in a game.”
Dennis Allen, Defensive Coordinator via Fox News
Austin Booker Takes More Snaps Before Falcons Game
With Sweat unavailable, second-year edge rusher Austin Booker who leads the team with four sacks is positioned to shoulder a larger share of the defensive snaps alongside James Lynch. Depth options behind them remain inexperienced, including Daniel Hardy, Jamree Kromah, and James Lynch none of whom boast significant career starting experience.
The Bears will travel to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday before returning home to host the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. Sweat becomes eligible to return to the active roster on October 23 ahead of a Monday night road game against the Seattle Seahawks.
#Bears DE Montez Sweat has been suspended for the next 2 games for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy.That means he will miss Sunday at Atlanta and the following Thursday vs. New England.
— https://x.com/BradBiggs/status/2110099476316885235
More on Chicago Bears
#Bears edge Montez Sweat has been suspended for the club’s next two games without pay for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy, per The NFL. pic.twitter.com/SQKCJDiMUN
— https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2110101686551294298
Bears DE Montez Sweat has been suspended the next two games without pay for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy. pic.twitter.com/fATeEy6bs0
— https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2110101846824215027
The Bears will be without top pass-pusher Montez Sweat for next week’s games against Atlanta and New England, as he serves a PED suspension.The NFL’s announcement … pic.twitter.com/rHzjF6fONV
— https://x.com/AlbertBreer/status/2110103218441052309