The Chicago Bears will be without defensive end Montez Sweat for their next two games after the NFL suspended him without pay for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The reported suspension, announced on October 13, 2026, creates another challenge for Chicago as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Sweat is set to miss the Bears’ road matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on October 18 and their home game against the New England Patriots on October 22. He will be eligible for reinstatement on October 23, potentially making Chicago’s November 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks his next opportunity to play.
The suspension comes at a difficult time for the Bears, who are dealing with defensive struggles and injury concerns along their defensive line.
Why Was Montez Sweat Suspended?
According to the report, Montez Sweat received a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The suspension will cost the Chicago Bears one of their starting defensive ends for two important games.
The available report did not identify the specific substance involved, so further details about the violation should not be assumed.
Sweat’s absence leaves Chicago with fewer established options on the defensive front as the coaching staff works to improve a unit that struggled against Green Bay.
When Will Montez Sweat Return?
Montez Sweat is eligible for reinstatement on October 23, one day after the Bears host the New England Patriots.
Chicago’s next scheduled game after the Patriots matchup is a Monday night visit to the Seattle Seahawks on November 2. That game could mark Sweat’s return, provided he is reinstated and available.
Here is the Bears’ schedule surrounding his suspension:
- October 18: Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons
- October 22: New England Patriots at Chicago Bears
- October 23: Sweat becomes eligible for reinstatement
- November 2: Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks
The two-game suspension means Chicago must find a temporary solution at defensive end while managing a short turnaround between its matchups against Atlanta and New England.
Austin Booker Could Get a Bigger Role
Austin Booker is one of the players to watch as the Bears adjust their defensive-line rotation. He was listed behind Sweat on Chicago’s depth chart and recently delivered an encouraging performance against the Packers.
Booker recorded sacks on consecutive plays against quarterback Jordan Love late in the first half. Those plays helped prevent Green Bay from extending its lead before halftime and offered Chicago a positive defensive moment during an otherwise difficult afternoon.
With Sweat unavailable, Booker could receive additional opportunities to pressure opposing quarterbacks. However, his exact role and playing time will depend on the coaching staff’s decisions and the team’s preparations during practice.
Jamree Kromah is another option behind Booker on the defensive depth chart, while Daniel Hardy was listed behind Dayo Odeyingbo on the opposite side.
Dayo Odeyingbo Injury Adds to Bears’ Concerns
The Bears’ defensive-end situation is further complicated by Dayo Odeyingbo’s quadriceps injury, which he suffered during the loss to Green Bay.
If Odeyingbo is also unable to play, Chicago could face the possibility of being without both of its starting defensive ends. That would put additional pressure on its available pass rushers and require adjustments to the defensive rotation.
The Bears are also expected to have Shemar Turner return to the 53-man roster from the physically unable to perform list. His availability could provide another option along the defensive line, although returning to the roster does not automatically mean he will take on a starter’s workload.
Chicago will need to evaluate its available personnel and determine how best to distribute snaps before facing Atlanta.
Montez Sweat Stats: How Has He Performed This Season?
Sweat has started all five of Chicago’s games this season. According to the statistics included in the report, he has recorded two sacks and seven combined tackles.
Both sacks came during the Bears’ first three games, while he failed to record a sack against the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers.
For comparison, Sweat finished the 2025 regular season with 10 sacks, 53 combined tackles and three forced fumbles across 17 starts.
Although his early-season sack production has not matched his previous full-season numbers, his absence still removes an experienced starter from Chicago’s defensive front.
Bears Look to Recover After Packers Defeat
Chicago enters the next stretch of its schedule following a 31-7 loss to Green Bay. The defeat ended the Bears’ two-game winning streak and left them with a 3-2 record, according to the supplied report.
Jordan Love completed 25 of 31 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers scored touchdowns on their first two possessions. Chicago also finished the game with five turnovers, compared with none for Green Bay.
The performance exposed problems across the Bears’ defense, including coverage breakdowns and difficulties generating consistent pressure.
Head coach Ben Johnson had already acknowledged the team’s execution issues before news of Sweat’s suspension emerged. His assessment focused on mistakes across multiple phases rather than placing responsibility on one individual.
The upcoming games will test whether Chicago can improve its defensive performance while working with a revised lineup.
What Montez Sweat’s Suspension Means for Chicago
The suspension presents the Bears with two immediate challenges: replacing Sweat’s production and improving a defense that struggled against Green Bay.
Booker’s recent pass-rushing performance gives Chicago one potential option, while Turner’s expected return could provide additional depth. Odeyingbo’s injury status will also be important in determining how the defensive line is organized.
Chicago’s matchup against Atlanta is particularly significant because the coaching staff has limited preparation time before the Patriots visit Soldier Field four days later.
The Bears must adjust quickly if they want to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks and reduce the defensive mistakes that contributed to their recent defeat.
For now, Sweat’s reported suspension rules him out of the next two games, with October 23 marking his eligibility for reinstatement. The Seahawks matchup on November 2 is the next scheduled opportunity for him to return to the field.
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