Montez Sweat, the Chicago Bears’ starting defensive end, just got hit with a two-game suspension without pay from the NFL. Talk about a gut punch for Chicago! The league announced today he violated the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. Man, this is a tough break for the Bears right in the middle of their season.
Chicago’s Problem Is No Small Deal
This isn’t some minor slap on the wrist either. While the NFL isn’t spilling all the beans on the specific substance, a two-game ban usually means a first offense for something like a stimulant, diuretic, or a masking agent. If it were anabolic steroids, he’d be looking at a minimum of six games, so at least it’s not that bad. But still, a PED suspension is a huge blow. Sweat, at 30 years old, has been a key piece for their defense since coming over in a trade from Washington back in 2023. He’s started all five games this season, playing a whopping 69 percent of their defensive snaps, and already snagged two sacks. Losing that kind of production for two critical games is going to sting for the Bears. He’s out this Sunday against the Falcons and then misses their Thursday night game against the Patriots. Two games, two starters gone from their lineup. Ouch.
The Emerald City’s Monday Night Showdown Just Got Spicier
Here’s where it gets interesting for us, Seattle. After serving his time, Montez Sweat is eligible to return in Week 8. And guess who he’s coming back against? Our very own Seahawks, right here at Lumen Field on Monday Night Football! Can you believe it? The guy who just got banned for PEDs will be fresh off his suspension and back on the field to face Mike Macdonald’s squad under the lights. You know the 12s are going to be absolutely buzzing for that one. It’s a huge opportunity for our offense to test their O-line against a guy who’s been sitting out for two weeks. It’s going to be a battle, for sure, but our guys will be ready to give him a warm welcome back to the league.
So, while Montez Sweat’s suspension is a major headache for the Bears, it definitely adds an extra layer of fire to that Week 8 Monday Night Football matchup against our Seahawks. Get ready, 12s, because that game is going to be electric with him making his return against us. Our guys are going to have to be on point.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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