The Chicago Bears activated defensive end Montez Sweat from the non-football illness list on Wednesday July 29, 2026, just one day after placing him on it at the start of training camp. Sweat is in line to practice on Thursday, and general manager Ryan Poles expressed no concern about the move.

Key Takeaways

• The Chicago Bears activated Montez Sweat from the non-football illness list on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, just one day after placing him on it at the start of training camp.
• Sweat recorded 10 sacks, 53 tackles, 18 quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles in 2025, marking his first double-digit sack season with the Bears.
• General manager Ryan Poles expressed no concern about the move and expected Sweat back within days, which proved accurate with his next-day activation.
• The Bears signed Sweat to a four-year, $98 million extension after acquiring him from Washington in 2023, and his 2026 base salary is $20.9 million.

The swift return signals that the Bears’ defensive anchor is fully available for the 2026 season with no lingering health issues. Sweat’s presence is critical to a defense that lacks depth at the edge rusher position.

What Prompted the One-Day Absence?

Sweat was placed on the active/non-football illness list on Tuesday, the first day of training camp physicals at Halas Hall. The designation is used for medical conditions unrelated to football injuries, ranging from minor illnesses to personal health matters that require brief attention.

The Bears did not disclose the specific nature of the illness. However, the team expected Sweat back within days, and that timeline proved accurate when he was activated less than 24 hours later.

The brevity of the absence suggests a precautionary measure rather than any serious medical concern. The Chicago Journal confirmed that Poles did not sound worried when discussing the roster move with reporters on Tuesday.

How Did Montez Sweat Perform Last Season?

Montez Sweat recorded 53 tackles last season including 10 sacks, marking his first double-digit sack total with the Bears. He also posted 13 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, 53 pressures, three forced fumbles, and five pass breakups across all 17 games.

The 2025 campaign represented a career year for Sweat, who was recently named one of the top 100 players in the NFL by player vote. Head coach Ben Johnson praised Sweat’s performance during OTAs, calling it the best season of his NFL career.

Chicago acquired Sweat from Washington in 2023 in exchange for a second-round pick, then signed him to a four-year, $98 million extension. His base salary for the 2026 season is $20.9 million, reflecting his role as the cornerstone of the Bears’ pass rush.

Why Is Sweat Essential to Chicago’s Defense?

The Bears can’t afford extended absences from Sweat because he is arguably the most important piece of their defense. Chicago lacks proven depth at edge rusher, with Austin Booker and Dayo Odeyingbo currently battling for the starting job opposite Sweat.

Booker earned the team’s confidence late last season with 4.5 sacks in 10 games after stepping into the starting lineup. Odeyingbo, who signed a three-year, $48 million contract in 2025, managed just one sack in eight games before suffering a season-ending injury.

Without Sweat at full strength, the Bears would face significant pressure to generate a pass rush from unproven players. His quick return removes that uncertainty and allows the coaching staff to focus on evaluating other position battles in training camp.

Who Else Is Sidelined at Training Camp?

Sweat became the sixth Bears player placed on the non-football injury or physically unable to perform list in recent days. Linebacker T.J. Edwards landed on the non-football injury list, while cornerback Kyler Gordon, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, defensive tackle Shemar Turner, and linebackers Noah Sewell and Keyshaun Elliott all went on the PUP list with various injuries.

General manager Ryan Poles addressed safety Elijah Hicks, who was placed on the PUP list the same day as Sweat’s original designation. Poles said Hicks reported shin discomfort upon arriving for camp but is walking around and should not be out long.

The absences create opportunities for younger players to take reps during the early stages of camp, but the Bears are counting on most of these veterans to return before the regular season begins.

What Does Sweat’s Return Mean for the 2026 Season?

Montez Sweat’s activation after just one day confirms that the Bears enter the season with their best pass rusher healthy and ready to contribute immediately. The quick turnaround allows Chicago to maintain continuity on defense as the team pursues its second consecutive NFC North title.

The Bears won their first division championship since 2018 last season, and Sweat played a central role in that success. His ability to generate pressure, force turnovers, and disrupt opposing quarterbacks will be critical again in 2026.

With training camp practices beginning Wednesday, Chicago can now integrate Sweat into the defensive game plan without delay. The one-day hiccup is already behind the team, leaving no doubt about the defensive line’s readiness heading into the preseason.

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FAQs

How Long Was Montez Sweat on the Non-football Illness List?

Montez Sweat was on the non-football illness list for just one day. He was placed on the list Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the first day of training camp physicals, and activated Wednesday, July 29.

What Are Montez Sweat’s Career Statistics With the Bears?

In 2025, Sweat recorded 10 sacks, 53 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, 53 pressures, three forced fumbles, and five pass breakups. He played all 17 games and was named one of the top 100 NFL players by player vote.

Who Else Is Currently Injured on the Bears Roster?

The Bears placed six players on injury lists at the start of training camp. Linebacker T.J. Edwards is on the non-football injury list, while cornerback Kyler Gordon, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, defensive tackle Shemar Turner, safety Elijah Hicks, and linebackers Noah Sewell and Keyshaun Elliott are all on the physically unable to perform list.

When Will Montez Sweat Return to Practice?

Montez Sweat is in line to practice on Thursday, July 30, 2026, following his activation from the non-football illness list. Training camp practices began Wednesday.

How Much Is Montez Sweat Making This Season?

Montez Sweat’s base salary for the 2026 season is $20.9 million as part of his four-year, $98 million extension. The Bears signed him to that contract after acquiring him from Washington in 2023 for a second-round draft pick.

What Did Ben Johnson Say About Montez Sweat’s 2025 Performance?

Head coach Ben Johnson praised Sweat’s 2025 performance during OTAs, calling it the best season of his NFL career. Sweat was also recently named one of the top 100 players in the NFL by player vote.