NFL Drops The Hammer On Chicago Bears Superstar With 2-Game Suspension

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The Chicago Bears will be without an important starter for their next two games due to an untimely suspension. 

Montez Sweat has started every game for the Chicago Bears so far this season. The defensive end has registered two sacks through five games. 

According to Pro Football Talk, he’s played 69% of the team’s defensive snaps.

Chicago acquired Sweat from Washington in 2023 before giving him a four-year, $98 million extension. 

Sweat made 10 sacks in 17 starts in 2025 and gave fans a scare before the season, leaving a training camp drill with an injury.

The team is now preparing to play their next two games without him. According to Adam Schefter, the NFL has suspended Sweat without pay over PED use.

The NFL did not name the substance. Pro Football Talk adds that a two-game penalty typically follows a first offense. 

Such cases typically involve a stimulant, diuretic or masking agent, while anabolic steroid positives usually result in at least six games out. 

Sweat will be eligible to return against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week 8.

Who Steps In For Montez Sweat?

According to Bleacher Report, Austin Booker is now likely to take over Sweat’s role. The 2024 fifth-round pick has 14 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles this year. The publication also lists right defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo as questionable for Sunday with a quad injury.

The 3-2 Bears will play the Falcons after losing 31-7 to Green Bay on Sunday in a match that ended in another frosty Ben Johnson-Matt LaFleur’s handshake.

A tilt against 2025 Super Bowl finalist New England follows.

Meanwhile, Chicago Tribune reporter Brad Biggs expects the Bears to activate Shemar Turner from the PUP list.