Just when edge rusher Montez Sweat was suspended for two games, due to a violation of the performance enhancing drugs policy, the Chicago Bears got back cornerback Kyler Gordon.

In the first five weeks of the season, the Bears only had 11 sacks. However, in the two games Sweat was out, Chicago’s defense had seven sacks. Gordon accounts for four of those sacks. Three of them came in his monster game against the Atlanta Falcons with three sacks and two forced fumbles. His fourth sack of the season came against the New England Patriots on fourth down on their opening drive.

Sweat recently discussed the next-man-up mentality of the defense, and he also singled out Gordon for his emergence as a pass rusher since returning from injury.

“As long as [Gordon] gets on the field, he’s going to make plays,” Sweat said. “It’s been amazing watching him pass rush.”

Chicago’s Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks will be the first time this year the Bears have Sweat and Gordon on the field at the same time. Since Gordon missed most of last season, they were also rarely on the field in 2025.

While Gordon has played well in his return, Sweat was having a poor year before his suspension. According to PFF, his pass rush and run-blocking grades are among the worst among edge rushers in the NFL.

In Sweat’s absence, Chicago had numerous players who stepped up and performed well. Perhaps the Bears may want to consider trading Sweat before the deadline, especially given he is taking up the second-most space on the salary cap.