Bears DE Montez Sweat suspended two games for violating PED policy

The NFL has suspended Bears defensive end Montez Sweat for two games after he violated the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, per Ari Meirov.

Sweat has been a cornerstone of Chicago's defensive front since arriving in a 2023 midseason trade from the Commanders, one that came with a four-year, $98M extension. Through five games this season he has started at defensive end opposite DeMarcus Walker, tallying 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble as part of a Bears pass rush that has generated consistent pressure for the league's 12th-ranked defense.

The two-game suspension sidelines Sweat for the Bears' Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, and would also knock him out of the following week's game. Chicago is already managing the return timeline of quarterback Caleb Williams, who has been tracking toward a potential return this same weekend — the Bears are now facing the prospect of playing without both their franchise QB and their top edge rusher.

Under the NFL's PED policy, Sweat will be eligible to return to practice and game action once the two-week suspension period concludes, provided he complies with league protocols during the ban.