The Bears must shuffle their LB lineup again after placing MLB D.J. Williams on IR Thursday with a neck injury. That'll slide Jon Bostic from the weak side -- where he had taken over for IR'd Lance Briggs -- to the middle. Rookie Christian Jones is expected to start on the weak side. Bostic's a decent IDP option against a Saints team that ranks among the top 10 friendliest to LB scoring. Jones would be a pretty big gamble at a time in the fantasy schedule when you should really try to limit such moves.

Washington LB Jon Bostic was ejected from Sunday's game against the Cowboys after a shot to the head that knocked QB Andy Dalton out of the contest. We'll see if any further league discipline is coming for Bostic.

Bears LB Jon Bostic started on the weak side in the Thanksgiving Day loss at Detroit, a day before the team placed veteran WLB Lance Briggs on IR with a groin injury. That likely ends Briggs' career in Chicago and could set up Bostic as the long-term replacement. Bostic collected 11 tackles, his 2nd-most this season, and produced a career-best 7 solo stops. Bostic disappointed as the middle starter last year after D.J. Williams went down, which followed an intriguing rookie training camp. He has performed better as primarily the strong-side starter this year but still likely has more to prove before earning Briggs' old job beyond this season. For IDP owners, Bostic stands as a just-average option in Week 14 but will be worth a look against the Saints in Week 15.

Bears GM Phil Emery told a radio audience Friday that the team might try rookie LB Jon Bostic on the outside after this season.  MLB D.J. Williams' season-ending injury pressed Bostic into the starting middle role, the position at which he'd primarily worked since joining the team.  Emery says the team might be able to best leverage Bostic's speed on the outside, and the rookie hasn't exactly wowed in playing his gap responsibilities as a starter this year.  We'll see what comes here.  The Bears still have Lance Briggs signed through 1 more season.  Strong-side LB James Anderson's on just a 1-year deal.  Rookie LB Khaseem Greene has filled in for the injured Briggs.

The Bears practiced Thursday without veteran LBs D.J. Williams and Lance Briggs.  That positioned 2nd-round rookie LB Jon Bostic as the MLB starter and defensive play-caller.  ESPN Chicago reports that he impressed teammates in the huddle.  Bostic has also generally drawn praise for his talent and intelligence.  This is a job he might have won without Williams getting hurt.  Bostic looks like a quality late-round IDP sleeper in 2013.  Briggs, by the way, had a day off after coming off the field with a slight limp Wednesday.  There's no indication he carries injury concern right now, though.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Bears LB D.J. Williams suffered a calf injury in Wednesday's morning workout and will be evaluated on a "week to week" basis.  That makes it sound like the veteran could be out a while, which only clears the way for 2nd-round rookie LB Jon Bostic to take the MLB job.  He's a nice upside pick for the late rounds of your IDP draft.