Chicago will be without defensive end Montez Sweat for its next two games after the NFL suspended him without pay. The penalty leaves the Bears missing a key pass rusher against Atlanta and New England.
THE WORD
- Sweat was suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
- He will miss games against the Falcons and Patriots.
- He led Chicago with 10 sacks last season.
The NFL handed Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat a two-game suspension without pay on Tuesday, October 13, according to ESPN’s report published by ABC7 Chicago. The discipline stems from a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
Sweat will sit out Sunday’s road matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and the following Thursday night’s game against the New England Patriots. Through five games this season, he has recorded two sacks and four quarterback hits.
His absence gives Chicago’s remaining pass rushers more responsibility over a short turnaround between games. Sweat’s team-leading 10 sacks last season show the production the Bears will be missing as they prepare for both opponents.
The timing adds another challenge for Chicago, with the Falcons and Patriots games coming just four days apart. Without Sweat available for either matchup, the Bears will need their other defensive linemen to generate pressure and keep opposing quarterbacks from getting comfortable in the pocket.
The Bears have also activated defensive lineman Shemar Turner off the physical unable to perform (PUP) list this week ahead of the Falcons game on Sunday.
Be apart of the conversation: Who needs to step up on the Bears’ defensive line while Sweat is out?
SOURCES
