LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears signed fullback Montell Owens on Thursday and placed linebacker D.J. Williams on the injured reserve because of a neck injury.
A two-time Pro Bowler (2010-11), Owens has played in 108 games with four starts over nine seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2006-12) and Detroit Lions (2013-14), posting 74 tackles on special teams to go with three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. On offense, Owens has contributed 292 yards rushing on 56 attempts with three touchdowns, in addition to 12 catches for 143 yards after coming into the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Maine.
Interestingly, Owens spent two weeks playing safety for the Jaguars during his rookie preseason but ultimately found his niche as a special-teams ace and reserve fullback.
Meanwhile, Williams played in 145 games with 129 starts over 10 seasons with the Denver Broncos (2004-12) and Chicago Bears (2013-14), posting 998 tackles, 22.5 sacks, two interceptions, 42 pass breakups, 15 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.
Williams contributed 73 tackles in 12 games this season, including 1.5 tackles for lost yardage, a pass breakup and two quarterback pressures.
