The Chicago Bears could not afford to lose any great players on that defense after their 31-7 blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 5, but it is not good news for defensive end Montez Sweat.
Multiple Bears reporters shared a statement from the NFL, as Sweat has been suspended for two games.
“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.”
Per the NFL: “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.”
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) October 13, 2026
In five games this season, Sweat has racked up 13 pressures, nine hurries, seven tackles, four quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, and two sacks. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 55.9, ranking him 81st among 106 eligible edge rushers. He also has a pass-rush grade of 57.4 (ranked 78th) and a run-defense grade of 56.0 (ranked 78th).
Montez Sweat couldn't have picked a worst time for the Bears to get suspended
What a wildly disappointing result for a guy who has gotten so much praise for his play over the last year. Bears head coach Ben Johnson said before the season that Sweat had the best season of his career.
This is a player that the Bears cannot afford to lose on their defense. Chicago got rocked by the Packers and need all the talent they can get for their next two games against the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots.
The biggest problem also is that fellow Bears edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo got hurt in the Packers game and his status is unknown at this time. That could leave the Bears to lean heavily on Austin Booker to be their top edge rusher.
Booker is coming off the best game of his 2026 season with two sacks that came in back-to-back plays before halftime. He has four sacks on the season, which leads the Bears.
Chicago is in a tough spot defensively, as they may not be able to get the pass rush they need. It may fall on the secondary, which just got torched by the Packers. Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Malik Muhammad all had rough days in the secondary, allowing multiple 40+-yard plays.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will have to get creative on defense to try to create opportunities for Booker to roll off the line. Booker will be the difference-maker for the Bears, ensuring they don't leave a bit with Sweat and potentially Odeyingbo out.
Read more: Rome Odunze's uninspired Week 5 performance is leading to tough Bears question
This couldn't be a worst situation for the Bears defense, as they prepare to play a very good Falcons offense. Things will get a bit dicey on defense if the secondary can't step up to the plate with Sweat out the next two games.
Add us as a preferred source on Google