The Chicago Bears are trying to figure out how the defense will look for the next two games. That is because Bears defensive lineman Montez Sweat is suspended for those contests. Sweat violated the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The Bears are now dealing with an injury on defense, which complicates things even more.
“Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards injured his hamstring last week, and though it's not considered severe, it is a reaggravation of a preseason hamstring issue, so the Bears will likely be cautious,” ESPN reported.
This season Edwards has 16 tackles, including eight solo stops. He has also posted an interception. He is one of several Bears players dealing with injuries.
“(Defensive back) Tyrique Stevenson is day-to-day,” Bears reporter Adam Hoge reported Wednesday. Hoge also lists Edwards as week-to-week.
Bears are adjusting the defense after Montez Sweat suspension
Chicago is coming up with a strategy to offset the loss of Sweat. The Bears activated defensive end Shemar Turner from the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday.
“I think with any of these guys that are coming off the PUP list, to think that any of them would be ready to go in there and play 50, 60, 70 plays in a game, I think that would be unrealistic to think,” Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said, per ESPN. “With all of these guys, as we begin to get some of them back, I think the prudent action would be start to incorporate them in and yet don't expect them to be full-time players initially.”
Article Continues BelowChicago is 3-2 on the season. The Bears are coming off a blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers. Chicago is next in action against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
Sweat is suspended for the Falcons game, as well as the team's next game after that against the New England Patriots. His loss is a tough one for the Bears, as Sweat led the team in sacks during the 2025 campaign.
Bears defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo is also expected to miss time due to a quad injury, Hoge reported.