- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat has been reinstated following a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance enhancing substances policy and will return for Monday night's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Sweat, 30, called the absence "devastating" and insisted the positive test was unintentional. "It definitely was accidental," he said. "It was a surprise. But you take a lick on the chin and keep moving forward."
The edge rusher was sidelined for victories over Atlanta and New England, then reinstated on October 23. He ranks fourth on the team with two sacks this season and has seven tackles, including two for loss. Coach Ben Johnson has called 2025 Sweat's best professional season.
Sweat declined to specify what triggered the failed test but cleared the Bears' staff of any involvement. He did not appeal and accepted full responsibility, though he stopped short of committing to changes in his routine, saying he would return to his regular regimen.
The suspension carried a heavy financial toll: Sweat forfeited $2.3 million in 2026 base salary, and guarantees on the remaining $12.7 million for this season and all future years have been voided.
Mickey's Angle: Sweat's return bolsters a Bears pass rush that kept rolling without him, but bettors should watch how many snaps he gets in his first game back after two weeks away.
Source: ESPN (also reported by ProFootballTalk) - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.