Illini in the NFL Website

Each week the Illini in the NFL update provides coverage on how former Fighting Illini football players fared during the previous week. In week eight, a handful of former Illini were out of action due to a bye week or injury. However, Corey Liuget continued his consistent performance on the defensive line with four tackles against the Broncos and Tavon Wilson chipped in three tackles to help the Patriots defeat the Bears.

Corey Liuget, DE, San Diego Chargers (@CoreyLiuget) - Liuget tallied four tackles against the Broncos on Thursday Night Football, but the Chargers lost 35-21

Tavon Wilson, FS, New England Patriots (@TavonWilson27) - Started and recorded three tackles as the Patriots blew out the Bears 51-23 on Sunday.

Akeem Spence, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@AkeemSpence) - Spence recorded two tackles against the Vikings on Sunday, but the Bucs lost at home in overtime 19-13.

Vontae Davis, CB, Indianapolis Colts (@VontaeDavis) - Davis recorded one tackle as the Colts' defense struggled to slow down Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers' offense in Indianapolis' 51-34 loss at Pittsburgh.

Hugh Thornton, OL, Indianapolis Colts (@HughThornton72) - Protected Andrew Luck, who threw for 400 yards and three touchdowns as the Colts' offense scored 34 points, but lost to the Steelers 51-34.

Jon Asamoah, OL, Atlanta Falcons - Asamoah helped protect Matt Ryan on Sunday as he threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns and blocked for Stephen Jackson who rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown. However, the Lions beat the Falcons 22-21 on a last second field goal in London.

Whitney Mercilus, DE, Houston Texans (@Merci380) - Started against the Titans, but did not record any stats as Jadeveon Clowney returned from injury in the Texans 30-16 win.

Alan Ball, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars - Ball started for the Jaguars, but did not record any stats on defense as the Dolphins defeated the Jaguars 27-13.

Jeff Cumberland, TE, New York Jets (@Cumberland85) - Cumberland started, but was not targeted by Michael Vick during the Jets' 43-23 loss against the Bills.

Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, New England Patriots (@Hoomanawanui47) - Hoomanawanui started at tight end and served as the primary blocking tight end for the Patriots with Rob Gronkowski as the pass-catching tight end. The Patriots beat the Bears 51-23 on Sunday.

A.J. Jenkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (@AJJenkins15) - Jenkins played in the Chiefs' 34-7 victory over the Rams, but was not targeted by Alex Smith.

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints (@Pierre_Thomas) - Thomas did not participate in the Saints' 44-23 victory over the Packers due to a shoulder/rib injury.

Steve Weatherford, P, New York Giants (@Weatherford5) - The Giants were on bye in week 8. They will host the Colts on Monday Night Football in week 9.

Brandon Lloyd, WR, San Francisco 49ers (@MrBLloyd) - The 49ers had a bye in week 8. San Francisco is back in action this Sunday as they host the Rams.

Former Illini on Injured Reserved

Michael Buchanan, DE, New England Patriots (@MikeBuke99)

Glenn Foster, DL, New Orleans Saints (@QBsacked)

Jeff Allen, OL, Kansas City Chiefs (@JeffAllen71)

Former Illini on Practice Squads
Ryan Lankford, WR, Indianapolis Colts (@Playmaka3x4) - Practice Squad
Justin Staples, LB, Tennessee Titans (@J_Staples94) - Practice Squad