Bears place S Brown on IR

Dec 26, 2008 - 6:57 PM LAKE FOREST, Illinois (Ticker) -- The Chicago Bears will be without one of their defensive leaders for Sunday's regular-season finale at Houston.

Safety Mike Brown was placed on injured reserve after suffering a calf injury in Monday's 20-17 overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Brown started Chicago's first 15 games and recorded 101 tackles - the third-highest total of his nine-year career with the Bears. He also recorded two interceptions and a sack this season.

The Bears' second-round pick in 2000, Brown has started 99 of his 100 career games, registering 629 tackles and 17 interceptions, the most for a Chicago safety. He also is the franchise's all-time leader with seven career defensive touchdowns.

To take his roster spot, the Bears signed safety Cameron Worrell to their 53-man roster.

Worrell spent four seasons with the Bears after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2003. In 43 games, he collected 45 special teams tackles with two sacks and two forced fumbles.

After appearing in 12 games for Miami last season, Worrell signed with the Jets but he was placed on injured reserve August 30.