Bears Suspend Montez Sweat for Two Games Over Drug Violation

The Chicago Bears will be without defensive end Montez Sweat for two games after the NFL suspended him for violating its performance-enhancing drug policy, the Chicago Sun-Times reported October 13, 2026. The suspension removes one of Chicago's highest-paid players from an already thin defensive line as the team works to improve its pass rush.

Sweat is eligible to return to the Bears on October 23, one day after Chicago's game against the New England Patriots, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Through the first five games of the season, he has recorded two sacks and seven tackles.

The suspension comes as Chicago deals with additional personnel concerns. Dayo Odeyingbo left the team's October 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers with a quadriceps injury, while Austin Booker recorded two sacks against quarterback Jordan Love, both near the end of the first half.

Sweat's absence adds to the challenges facing defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, whose system emphasizes man coverage, designed blitzes and generating pressure with four pass rushers. AtoZ Sports reported that adapting personnel recruited for former coach Matt Eberflus' zone-oriented defense has been a continuing challenge.

Chicago acquired Sweat from the Washington Commanders in 2023 by trading a second-round draft pick. The Bears subsequently signed him to a four-year, $98 million contract extension, making him one of the team's most significant financial commitments.

Sweat made an immediate impact after arriving in Chicago, recording six sacks in nine games during the 2023 season. His production fell to 5.5 sacks across 16 games in 2024 before rebounding to 10 sacks in 2025.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Sweat's all-around performance during the summer, highlighting his contributions against both the run and the pass.

"This was a guy that played at a very high level," Johnson said over the summer. "I would argue it was the best year of his career. Whether that showed up statistically or not, that's debatable, but his ability to play the run, play the pass, I thought he did a really nice job, and hopefully it's something we can piggyback on and carry that momentum into this year."

Despite last season's improvement, Sweat's pass-rushing numbers have drawn scrutiny in 2026. AtoZ Sports reported that he had generated 13 quarterback pressures through five games, ranking second on the Bears behind Odeyingbo's 14, but placing 42nd across the NFL in total pressures.

His pass-rush win rate stood at 9.6 percent, ranking 83rd among edge rushers, while his 57.4 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 112th in the league. Sweat had also played close to 70 percent of Chicago's defensive snaps, according to AtoZ Sports.

The Bears' 31-7 defeat against Green Bay illustrated the team's pass-rushing difficulties. Sweat recorded two pressures on 32 pass-rush snaps and one quarterback hit, while Booker produced two sacks against Love.

Chicago's financial decisions could become increasingly important ahead of the 2027 offseason. AtoZ Sports reported that releasing Sweat before June 1, 2027, would save the Bears $21 million while leaving a $4 million dead-cap charge, making his remaining performance a significant factor in the team's future roster planning.