Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat received a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. In his eighth NFL season and third full year with the Bears, he will sit out during the team’s Week 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 7 against the New England Patriots. The 30-year-old player is set to be reinstated by the league on October 23.
Sweat’s suspension comes as a blow to the Bears’ defensive line, already strained by personnel challenges. Dayo Odeyingbo left the recent game against the Green Bay Packers with a quad injury. As of Monday, head coach Ben Johnson had not provided an update on his condition.
Despite activating Shemar Turner from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the Bears remain cautious. Turner had been recovering from a torn ACL and is unlikely to immediately take on a full workload. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen expressed skepticism about expecting players from the PUP list to handle significant game time so soon after returning.
This season, Sweat recorded seven tackles and two sacks over the first five games. His absence will test the team’s depth on the defensive side.
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