D.J. Williams is slated to start at middle linebacker on Sunday against the Bengals, the Bears announced on their Twitter feed.
The announcement is not unexpected, even with Williams missing the preseason with a calf injury. The 31-year-old Williams is listed as the starter ahead of rookie Jon Bostic on the Bears’ depth chart.
Williams has made 115 regular-season starts in nine NFL seasons. He’s notched 824 tackles and defended 37 passes in regular-season play.
The Bears also disclosed that Corey Wootton will be the starter at left defensive end on Sunday. As is the case at middle linebacker, the Bears have good depth at left end, with 2012 first-round pick Shea McClellin listed as the top backup to Wootton.