Bears Edge Rusher Montez Sweat Suspended For Performance-Enhancing Substance Violation

Chicago Bears edge rusher Montez Sweat will miss two games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy. He is suspended without pay.

He will miss this weekend’s game against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 7 against the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football before being allowed to return to the team on October 23.

His first game back in Week 8 will be against the Seattle Seahawks.

Sweat has had a relatively down year compared to his other seasons, only recording seven tackles and two sacks.

He was a pro-bowler back in 2023 and is still a key part of the Bears’ defense given his experience and high ceiling. With the Bears’ defensive issues, this isn’t a loss that will do them any good, even with the slow start to the year. Sweat is the highest-paid player on the Bears.

The depth chart at the position is bleak, with injury concerns already for Dayo Odeyingbo, their starter on the right. The backup man for Sweat will be Austin Booker, who had a solid start to his season, having four sacks in just five games and leading the team in that category.

Because of the policy instituted by the NFL, the drug/substance that Sweat took is not disclosed, but since it is only a two-game suspension, it is likely not a steroid but instead a stimulant, or he was caught using a masking agent.