Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat has been suspended for two games without pay for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy. The league announced the punishment on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, leaving Chicago without one of its most experienced pass rushers for two important upcoming games.
Sweat will miss Sunday's road game against the Atlanta Falcons and the Bears' October 22 home game against the New England Patriots. He will be eligible for reinstatement on Friday, October 23, and can return for Chicago's November 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
The NFL did not identify the substance involved or disclose specific details about the violation. Sweat has not publicly explained the circumstances surrounding his suspension, and the league's announcement does not establish whether he knowingly used a prohibited substance.
The suspension comes at a difficult time for the Bears, who are dealing with injuries along their defensive line and trying to recover from a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Sweat's Suspension Creates Problems for Bears Defense
Sweat, 30, has started all five games for Chicago this season. He has recorded seven tackles and two sacks, ranking third on the team in sacks through Week 5.
Although his production has been relatively modest, Sweat remains an important part of the Bears' defensive front. His experience, size and ability to pressure quarterbacks help create opportunities for other defenders.
According to CBS Sports, Sweat's quarterback pressure rate through five games stands at 8.8%, below his full-season marks from 2019 through 2025. His average time to record a sack has also increased to 7.18 seconds, indicating that he has needed longer to reach opposing quarterbacks.
Those statistics suggest Sweat has not been as disruptive as he was during his stronger seasons. However, they do not fully measure the attention he receives from opposing offensive lines or his responsibilities against the running game.
Sweat played approximately 69% of Chicago's defensive snaps before the suspension, making him one of the defense's regular contributors.
Losing a starting edge rusher also forces the coaching staff to adjust its defensive rotations. Chicago will need other players to absorb Sweat's snaps while maintaining pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The timing is particularly challenging because fellow defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo suffered a quadriceps injury during Sunday's loss to Green Bay.
Odeyingbo left that game early, and his availability for the matchup against Atlanta remains uncertain. His injury adds another complication for a defensive line already preparing to operate without Sweat.
Bears Activate Shemar Turner to Strengthen Defensive Line
Chicago responded to the suspension by activating defensive end Shemar Turner from the physically unable to perform list.
Turner was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft but suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his rookie season. The knee injury kept him out of action for an extended period.
He began a 21-day practice window on September 23, allowing the Bears to evaluate his recovery before making a roster decision.
The team has now placed Turner on its active roster as Sweat begins serving his suspension. His return gives Chicago another defensive lineman who can contribute while the team deals with injuries and unavailable players.
However, returning from a serious knee injury presents challenges. Turner must regain game conditioning and adjust to the physical demands of regular-season football.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has emphasized the importance of managing expectations for players returning from lengthy absences.
Chicago is unlikely to depend entirely on Turner to replace Sweat's production immediately. Instead, the coaching staff can distribute defensive snaps among several players.
Austin Booker is expected to take on additional responsibility during Sweat's absence.
Booker has emerged as a productive pass rusher early in the season. Through five games, he leads the Bears in sacks, quarterback hits and tackles for loss.
He has also forced a fumble despite starting only one game, showing that he can affect opposing offenses even when used primarily in a rotational role.
The upcoming games could provide Booker with an opportunity to establish himself as a more consistent contributor.
Still, replacing Sweat involves more than finding someone who can record sacks. Chicago must also maintain discipline against the run and avoid exposing weaknesses along the defensive line.
Sweat Has Been Key Contributor Since 2023 Trade
The Bears acquired Sweat from the Washington Commanders in October 2023 in exchange for a second-round draft pick.
Chicago subsequently signed him to a four-year, $98 million contract extension, making him one of the team's most significant defensive investments.
The move was intended to strengthen a pass rush that had struggled to create consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Sweat quickly became an important part of Chicago's defense. He finished the 2023 season with a career-high 12.5 sacks across his time with Washington and Chicago.
His performance earned him the first Pro Bowl selection of his NFL career.
Before entering the league, Sweat played college football at Mississippi State. Washington selected him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Since joining the Bears, he has remained a regular starter and one of the most experienced members of the defensive unit.
During the 2025 season, Sweat led Chicago in sacks, tackles for loss and quarterback hits.
He also produced six turnovers caused by quarterback pressure, a personal best that ranked second in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats.
Those figures demonstrate why the Bears have continued to depend on him despite his slower statistical start in 2026.
Across his NFL career, Sweat has accumulated 59 sacks, 314 tackles and 15 forced fumbles in 114 games, according to Reuters.
His absence removes an established defender from a unit that must now prepare for two opponents with different offensive strengths.
What the NFL's PED Suspension Means
The NFL prohibits players from using certain performance-enhancing substances, including anabolic agents and other restricted drugs.
The league's policy also regulates substances that can interfere with drug testing or conceal prohibited drug use.
Penalties depend on the type of violation and other circumstances. Some offenses carry longer suspensions, while certain first violations can result in shorter punishments.
NBC Sports reported that a two-game suspension is generally associated with a first violation involving a stimulant, diuretic or masking agent. However, that does not establish which substance or conduct led to Sweat's punishment.
The league has not publicly identified Sweat's specific violation, so the reason for the two-game penalty cannot be determined from the suspension length alone.
Players serving suspensions under the performance-enhancing substances policy generally lose salary for the games they miss.
The suspension also prevents Sweat from participating in those games, leaving Chicago to make other arrangements for its defensive lineup.
There has been no public announcement of an additional punishment beyond the two-game ban.
Bears Look to Recover From Packers Defeat
Chicago enters the Atlanta game with a 3-2 record after losing to Green Bay in Week 5.
The Packers defeated the Bears 31-7 at Lambeau Field, ending Chicago's two-game winning streak.
Before that loss, the Bears had shown improvement on defense. They allowed just 28 combined points in victories over the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets during Weeks 2 through 4.
The Green Bay defeat exposed problems on both sides of the ball, including difficulties containing the opposing offense.
Head coach Ben Johnson now faces the challenge of preparing his team for consecutive games without one of its most important defensive players.
Chicago's offense is also dealing with uncertainty surrounding quarterback Caleb Williams.
Williams has been recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him after Week 2. His possible return against Atlanta could provide a boost to an offense that struggled against Green Bay.
Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has handled starting duties during Williams' absence.
The status of Chicago's injured players will be important as the Bears prepare for Atlanta, particularly because there is little time between the Falcons and Patriots games.
Sweat Eligible to Return Before Seahawks Game
The Bears will travel to Atlanta on Sunday, October 18, for a 1 p.m. Eastern Time kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Four days later, Chicago will host New England on Thursday Night Football at Soldier Field. That game is scheduled for October 22 at 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time.
Sweat's suspension will end after those two contests, making him eligible for reinstatement on October 23.
However, Chicago will not play its next game until Monday, November 2, when the Bears visit the Seattle Seahawks.
That gives Sweat time to rejoin team activities before returning to game action, provided there are no additional restrictions or unexpected developments.
The Seattle matchup begins a stretch that also includes a November 8 home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, followed by Chicago's Week 10 bye.
For now, the Bears must rely on Booker, Turner and the rest of their defensive front to compensate for Sweat's absence.
Chicago's immediate focus is Sunday's game against Atlanta, where the coaching staff will get its first opportunity to evaluate how the defense performs without its veteran edge rusher.