Bears MLB D.J. Williams (calf) could return to practice next week. Williams has missed the entire preseason due to a calf injury suffered early in camp. When healthy, he'll likely return in a backup role to second-round rookie Jon Bostic.

Bears MLB D.J. Williams (calf) is listed as week to week. Williams, who was slated to open the season in Brian Urlacher's shoes, went down during Wednesday's practice. It's a chance for second-round rookie MLB Jon Bostic to get some run with the starters.

The Bears plan to start D.J. Williams at middle linebacker. Williams told the Chicago Sun Times that the Bears approached him with two plans before he signed with the team. The two plans hinged on whether or not MLB Brian Urlacher remained with the team. With Urlacher released, Williams will man the middle and play an every-down role for the Bears. He's a strong LB2 option in IDP leagues.

Bears MLB D.J. Williams' one-year contract is heavily incentive laden and contains no guaranteed money. The contract was structured smartly by GM Phil Emery, who is taking no risks on a player suspended twice last year. Williams got no signing bonus. His base salary of $900,000 is triggered only if he makes the 53-man roster. The deal can reach $1.75 million in max worth, but $100,000 is tied to offseason workout participation and another $750,000 in per-game roster bonuses.

The Chicago Sun Times confirms the Bears are projecting D.J. Williams as their new starting middle linebacker. He theoretically has big shoes to fill as Brian Urlacher's successor, although those shoes grew smaller (and easier to replace) as Urlacher fell off a cliff in 2012. Williams turns 31 in July. Two suspensions -- one for PEDs and another for a DUI -- limited Williams to 160 snaps last season. Pro Football Focus still graded Williams as effective both in pass coverage and versus the run.

Bears signed LB D.J. Williams, formerly of the Broncos, to a one-year contract. Williams, who turns 31 before the season, was a highly productive and versatile starter in Denver from 2004-2011, before multiple 2012 suspensions cost him a spot in the Broncos' rotation. He's played weak-side, strong-side, and middle linebacker in his career. Williams' Bears contract will keep him motivated. The one-year deal has a base value of $900,000 -- none of which is guaranteed -- and Williams can earn up to $1.75 million via incentives.

Broncos released LB D.J. Williams. This move was a no-brainer. Williams was due $6 million in the final year of his deal, and he wasn't going to be a starter in Denver anymore. The 30-year-old is coming off a multi-suspension season that saw him register just 14 tackles in seven games. Denver will move forward with Wesley Woodyard, Von Miller, and likely Nate Irving as their starting linebackers. The Redskins, Texans, Raiders, Falcons, and Ravens have recently been mentioned as possible suitors.

The Denver Post says the Broncos will try and trade LB D.J. Williams once the new league year starts on March 12. Williams is due $6 million in the final year of his deal, and he's coming off a multi-suspension season. Plus, he's 30 years old, so unloading that salary on somebody else will be difficult. If Denver can't, then they are fully expected to release Williams before April 15. The Post mentions the Texans, Redskins, Raiders, Falcons, and Ravens as suitors.

The Broncos would save $6 million in salary cap space by releasing LB D.J. Williams. It's the same number as his $6M base salary. Williams served two NFL suspensions in 2012, appearing in only seven games and starting just one. We'd look for the Broncos to cut ties with Williams as soon as this week.

The Denver Post expects the Broncos to either release LB D.J. Williams or request a "significant pay cut." Williams was suspended for nine games in 2012, and made just one start in seven contests upon returning. He played only 131 regular season snaps. He's currently due an untenable $6 million in 2013.