The New Orleans Saints placed right tackle Charles Brown on injured reserve, cutting short his season.

Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports Zach Strief is expected to replace Brown after the veteran missed the previous five games with a knee injury. Brown is being placed on IR with a hip flexor, cutting short what had been a promising season. He struggled in Sunday’s loss to the St. Louis Rams against Chris Long, but otherwise has been steady. A second-round pick from USC a year ago, Brown figures in New Orleans’ long-term plans.

The Saints signed 29-year-old veteran Ray Willis to add depth. He played six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune