The Bears will be without starting defensive end Montez Sweat for the next two games.
The NFL announced today that Sweat is suspended without pay for two games for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Although the NFL does not disclose the specific reason when a player is suspended for a violation, a two-game suspension is typically the penalty for a first offense of a player testing positive for a stimulant, diuretic or masking agent. Players who test positive for anabolic steroids are typically suspended at least six games.
Sweat will miss Sunday’s game against the Falcons and the following Thursday night game against the Patriots. He will then be eligible to return Week 8 against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football.
The 30-year-old Sweat, who arrived in a Chicago via trade from Washington during the 2023 season, has started all five games and played 69 percent of the Bears’ defensive snaps this season. He has two sacks.