Bears activate DE Shemar Turner from PUP list as Montez Sweat suspension opens roster spot
Chicago brings back its 2025 second-round pick off the physically unable to perform list, adding a defensive end just in time to replace the suspended Montez Sweat
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The Chicago Bears activated defensive end Shemar Turner off the reserve/physically unable to perform list on Tuesday, a move that carries extra significance with starting defensive end Montez Sweat suspended for the next two games.
Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs): #Bears are expected to restore DE Shemar Turner to the 53-man roster from the physically unable to perform list, a move that was likely to happen even without the Montez Sweat development.
Turner's 21-day return-to-practice window was set to expire Wednesday, making Tuesday's activation a necessary step. The Bears' second-round pick in 2025 tore the ACL in his right knee last season, limiting him to five games as a rookie where he totaled six tackles, including two for loss.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune notes the move was likely to happen regardless of the Sweat development, but the timing aligns perfectly with the Bears needing depth on the edge. Sweat was suspended Tuesday for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances and will miss games against the Patriots (Week 6) and Commanders (Week 7).
Turner, who moved from defensive tackle to defensive end during Week 5 of practice last season, will take Sweat's spot on the 53-man roster. The Bears face New England this Sunday and Washington the following week before Sweat becomes eligible for reinstatement on Friday, October 23.