Montez Sweat Suspended for Violating NFL Drug Policy

Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat faces a two-game suspension without pay. This results from violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Currently, in his eighth NFL season and third with the Bears, Sweat will not play in the Week 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 7 against the New England Patriots. The NFL plans to reinstate him on October 23.

Details regarding the specific substance that led to Sweat’s suspension remain undisclosed. His absence compounds existing challenges for the Bears, who struggle with personnel issues on their defensive line. Dayo Odeyingbo, another lineman, exited the recent game against the Green Bay Packers with a quad injury. However, as of Monday, head coach Ben Johnson had not offered updates about Odeyingbo’s condition.

The Bears have taken action by activating Shemar Turner from the physically unable to perform list. Turner has been recuperating from a torn ACL sustained on October 26, 2025. Despite this move, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen expressed that expecting Turner to handle a full game workload so soon is impractical. Thus, Turner’s involvement can’t immediately fill the gap left by Sweat.

Throughout the current season, Sweat has achieved seven tackles and secured two sacks in the team’s initial five games.