Sports
Bears will be without Montez Sweat for two games after a performance-enhancing substance suspension
The NFL suspended Bears defensive end Montez Sweat two games without pay for violating its performance-enhancing substances policy. He returns in Week 8.
The Chicago Bears just lost one of their best pass rushers for the next two weeks.
The NFL announced on Tuesday that defensive end Montez Sweat is suspended without pay for two games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
When he can come back
Sweat will miss Sunday's game at the Atlanta Falcons and the following Thursday night game against the New England Patriots. He will be eligible to return in Week 8, when Chicago hosts the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.
The league does not say what a player tested positive for. Under the policy a first positive test for a stimulant, diuretic or masking agent carries a two-game ban. A positive test for an anabolic steroid usually brings at least six games.
A big piece of the defense
Sweat, 30, came to Chicago in a trade with Washington during the 2023 season. He has started all five games this year and played 69% of the defensive snaps. He has two sacks and four quarterback hits.
He led the Bears with 10 sacks last season.
A thin line gets thinner
The timing is rough. Fellow defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo left Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers with a quad injury and his status is unclear.
Chicago could get help from defensive end Shemar Turner, who has been on the physically unable to perform list. Coach Ben Johnson said the team has to decide in the next couple of days whether to bring him back.
