DJ Williams Placed on IR by Bears

The Chicago Bears' defense has already sustained some big hits this season with guys like Charles Tillman, Lamarr Houston, and Lance Briggs all out for the rest of the year, but they will have to deal with yet another blow as linebacker DJ Williams was placed on season-ending injured reserve Thursday. 

The linebacker, in his second year with the Bears, started 10 games and recorded 73 tackles and two quarterback pressures this season. Signed to a one-year contract in the offseason, Williams was looked to as a bridge to the future so that younger players like Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene would have an opportunity to develop at their own pace.

Williams will be replaced on the active roster by new signing Montell Owens, who was inked to a two-year contract by the Bears. Owens is a special teams ace with a great track record, making two Pro Bowls and recording 74 tackles and three forced fumbles in his NFL career. He most recently spent time with the Detroit Lions. 

Darryl Sharpton and Christian Jones will both likely fill in for Williams at middle linebacker, with Greene and Bostic also potentially taking snaps at the position too.  

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