LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The Chicago Bears have placed middle linebacker D.J. Williams on injured reserve because of a neck injury and signed fullback Montell Owens.

The Bears announced the moves on Thursday.

Williams appeared in 12 games and recorded 73 tackles in his second season with the Bears. A 10-year veteran with an expiring contract, he joined cornerback Charles Tillman and linebacker Lance Briggs as the third opening-day defensive starter at least 32 years old to go on IR.

Owens, a two-time Pro Bowl pick on special teams, has 74 special teams tackles over nine seasons with Jacksonville (2006-12) and Detroit (2013-14). He also has 56 carries for 292 yards and three touchdowns to go with 12 receptions for 132 yards in his career.

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