How does DE Montez Sweat's suspension impact Bears defense?

Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

NFL suspends DE Montez Sweat two games; how does that impact Bears defense?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 14, 2026 8:01 AM ET

The Chicago Bears will be without one of their top pass-rushers for two weeks.

On Tuesday, the NFL confirmed it suspended Bears defensive end Montez Sweat two games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy. Chicago (3-2) plays the Atlanta Falcons (2-3) on the road in Week 6 and hosts the New England Patriots (3-2) on "Thursday Night Football" in Week 7.

How Montez Sweat suspension impacts Bears defense

Eighth-year veteran Sweat, a one-time Pro Bowler, isn't producing elite numbers, but he remains a key member of the Bears pass-rush. Entering Week 6, he ranks third on the team in sacks (two) behind fellow DEs Dayo Odeyingbo (three) and Austin Booker (four). Since Chicago acquired him in a trade with the Washington Commanders in 2023, he has logged 23.5 sacks in 47 games for the NFC North squad, the most on the team during that span.

The Bears list Booker as Sweat's backup on their depth chart. The third-year pass-rusher's fast start offsets some concerns about the veteran DE's suspension. Sports Info Solutions credits him with a career-best 3.9 percent sack rate and a solid 7.8 percent pressure rate.

Breaking: Bears EDGE Montez Sweat has been suspended for the next two games without pay for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy, per the league. pic.twitter.com/CV0dDlTey7
— ESPN (@espn) October 13, 2026

The absence of Sweat should be less significant if Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) doesn't play in Week 6. Atlanta reportedly believes his rib issue isn't "serious," but it will continue to exercise caution before determining his status. Former Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa would likely replace Penix if he can't go.

The Falcons passing attack is a wreck without Penix. In the QB's three starts, Atlanta has averaged 251 passing yards per game, up from 144 when QB3 Cooper Rush started in Weeks 1 and 2.

The Patriots pose a bigger test for the Bears. Third-year QB Drake Maye looks like an MVP candidate again. In a 45-17 Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the QB completed 26-of-34 passes for 374 yards and a season-high four touchdowns.

The Bears defense (19.2 PPG, tied for No. 5 in the NFL) shouldn't completely malfunction without Sweat. However, his absence isn't ignorable.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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