Montez Sweat returned to team practice quickly after being placed on the injury list, offering a quick fix for the Bears’ concerns. The team activated him from the active/non-football illness (NFI) list on July 29, just one day after placing him there, proving general manager Ryan Poles correct in predicting a short absence. The scare came at the start of training camp but faded fast as Sweat rejoined the squad.
Earlier that day, the Bears had also put veteran safety Elijah Hicks on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a shin injury. Still, Sweat’s return alleviated worries about the defense missing its top pass rusher. At 29, Sweat remains a key figure for a defense that relied on his 10 sacks, 54 pressures, and 17 quarterback hurries in 17 regular-season starts in 2025, his second career season with double-digit sacks.
Sweat’s 2025 Performance: Pressure Without the Sacks
Although Sweat led the Bears in sacks last year, there was room for improvement in converting his frequent pressures into takedowns. Poles, speaking at the start of camp, voiced hope that Sweat could build on his 2025 season and "add to that." The Bears are counting on their defensive line to help him reach new levels, even with no major additions planned for the front office.
Chicago didn’t bring in major talent during the 2026 offseason, settling for re-signing backup pass rusher Daniel Hardy instead. The team is banking on better health and performance from Dayo Odeyingbo, Shemar Turner, and Austin Booker. Still, the group ranked second-worst in the league for pass-rush win rate in 2025, making the decision to keep the same group risky.
Uncertainty at Backup Pass Rusher
Odeyingbo, recovering from an Achilles tear, and Turner, still healing from an October 2025 ACL injury, are both under close watch as camp begins. Booker, who showed potential toward the end of 2025, remains the most dependable option alongside Sweat. If he can’t follow through, the Bears might find themselves with a front line missing a solid second option.
Poles has left the door open for a change by mid-August if the current setup doesn’t deliver. "But we've got to make sure we know our team." This means the Bears are waiting to see how Booker, Odeyingbo, and Turner perform in camp before deciding if they need a trade or free agency addition for Week 1.
For now, the Bears are counting on Sweat to carry the defense and Booker to support him. If that doesn’t work, the team may look elsewhere in the final weeks before the season. With Sweat back on the field and evaluations in full swing, the Bears have time to assess their options.
Though they didn’t overhaul the defense in 2026, the Bears have given themselves a chance to adjust. Sweat’s return is just one of several moves that could shape their season.