Coming off a 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Bears will be without defensive end Montez Sweat for the next two games.

Sweat, 30, was suspended on Tuesday for two games without pay for a violation of the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy. He is eligible for reinstatement after Week 7, meaning he will miss games against the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots.

Through five games, Sweat has been credited with only seven tackles and two sacks.

The Bears have reinstated defensive lineman Shemar Turner from the reserve/physically unable to perform list to take Sweat’s place on the 53-man roster. Turner has not played since suffering a torn ACL against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 26, 2025.

The CHGO staff reacts to the suspension …

Adam Hoge: The sudden depletion on defense is happening right before a crucial stretch in which the Bears play two tough opponents in five days. Not ideal. Remember, Dayo Odeyingbo left Sunday’s game with a quad injury, and it didn’t look good on film. T.J. Edwards is dealing with yet another hamstring injury, as is cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Shemar Turner’s expected return suddenly looms large, and Jamree Kromah will likely get his opportunity in Atlanta.

Adam Jahns: When it rains, it pours, right? This suspension couldn’t come at a worse time. Linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring), cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (hamstring) and defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo (quad) all suffered injuries against the Packers. And now here come the high-powered Falcons and Patriots on the schedule. Stopping Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson and New England quarterback Drake Maye are tough challenges at full strength. And now the Bears could be extremely short-handed against both teams.

Mark Carman: The Bears will miss Sweat even though he was basically invisible last week vs. the Packers. Shemar Turner was more effective outside in his limited time playing last year. Jameel Kromah gets a shot too. Austin Booker has wanted to play more. This is his chance to show he belongs out there all the time.

Patrick Norton: To call this a disappointment would be an understatement. After a loss like Sunday’s in Green Bay, the Bears needed more from the star power on their defense. Instead, with injuries beginning to mount and the secondary reeling after allowing 367 passing yards, they’ll be without their most expensive pass rusher for reasons that were completely avoidable.