Montez Sweat, the Bears' starting defensive end, has been suspended for two games without pay for violating the NFL's Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy, per multiple outlets.
| TOT | SACKS |
|---|---|
| 8 | 2 |
Sweat will miss the next two contests before becoming eligible to return in November. The suspension comes as the Bears sit 3–2 this season and fourth in the NFC North after a 31–7 loss to Green Bay on Sunday. Chicago is next scheduled to play at Atlanta on October 18.
3-24th in NFC NorthStreak L1
The 27-year-old has recorded 8 tackles and 2 sacks through five games this season. His absence will leave a gap in Chicago's pass rush during a stretch when the defense has already struggled; the Bears gave up 31 points in their most recent outing against the Packers. Sweat signed with Chicago as a free agent before the 2024 season and has been a fixture in the team's defensive line rotation.
The specific substance involved in the violation was not disclosed by the reporting outlets covering the suspension. NFL policy requires players to receive notice and an opportunity to appeal suspensions before they take effect, though no appeals have been reported as of now. Sweat is expected to serve the suspension during Chicago's games against Atlanta and the next opponent, with a return date contingent on the calendar.
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