Full Breakdown
Montez Sweat Suspended Two Games for PED Policy Violation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The NFL announced Tuesday that Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat will miss the next two games without pay for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances (PED) policy. The suspension covers the road matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and the home game versus the New England Patriots. Sweat will be eligible to return later in October, after the Week 7 contest.
Background & Context
Sweat was selected 26th overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2019 draft and spent four seasons in Washington before Chicago acquired him in a trade on Oct. 31, 2023. The Bears signed him to a four-year, $98 million extension, making him the franchise’s highest-paid defensive player for 2026. He posted 10 sacks in 2025 and earned a Pro Bowl selection that year. In his first five games of 2026, Sweat recorded two sacks, seven tackles and four quarterback hits.
Data & Statistics
- Sacks: 2 (third-most on the Bears through five games)
- Tackles: 7 total, 5 solo
- Quarterback hits: 4
- Career totals: 59 sacks in 114 games; 23.5 sacks in 47 games with Chicago
- Contract: $98 million over four years; $2.3 million in game checks forfeited per missed game
Official Statements & Responses
The league’s statement confirmed the two-game suspension but did not disclose the specific substance. Bears head coach Ben Johnson addressed the situation in a post-game interview, emphasizing the broader defensive challenges the team faces.
- “I would argue it was the best year of his career… hopefully it’s something we can piggyback on and carry that momentum into this year,” — Ben Johnson
- “Not good enough execution in all three phases,” — Ben Johnson
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen noted that recent activations of defensive end Shemar Turner “would be unrealistic to think” he could handle a full workload immediately, underscoring depth concerns on the edge.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Bears entered the suspension after a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, a defeat that left the defensive line thin. Fellow edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo exited that game with a quad injury, further limiting options. The team activated Turner from the physically unable-to-perform list to fill Sweat’s roster spot, though Turner’s limited experience means he cannot fully replace Sweat’s pass-rush production.
Why It Matters
Sweat’s absence removes Chicago’s primary edge rusher during a critical stretch. With the Bears sitting 3-2 and seeking to rebound from the Packers loss, the suspension forces the coaching staff to rely on younger players—Austin Booker, who leads the team with four sacks, and the recently activated Turner—to generate pressure. The loss also costs Sweat roughly $2.3 million in forfeited game checks and raises questions about the franchise’s investment in a player now facing disciplinary action.
What’s Next
The Bears will prepare for the Falcons game on the road, followed by the Patriots home game, without Sweat. After those contests, the team expects to reintegrate him for the Week 8 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Coaching staff statements suggest the defensive scheme will be adjusted to maximize the contributions of Booker, Turner, and other depth players while monitoring Odeyingbo’s injury status.