Panthers place ex-Bear LB Williams on IR

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have placed reserve linebacker Jamar Williams on season-ending injured reserve with a neck injury.

The Panthers replaced him on the 53-man roster Wednesday by signing linebacker Abdul Hodge.

Williams hasn't played since he sustained a spinal concussion in a collision while playing on special teams against New Orleans on Sept. 26. Williams was cleared to practice on Oct. 6, but was sidelined the next day after more tests and hadn't returned to the field.

Coach John Fox says Williams, acquired from Chicago in the offseason, wouldn't have been able to play for six to eight weeks.

The 28-year-old Hodge played in all 16 games for Cincinnati last season, but was let go in final cuts before the start of the regular season.