Each week the Illini in the NFL update will provide coverage on how former Fighting Illini football players fared during the previous weekend. Saints RB Pierre Thomas had a big week and Bucs WR Arrelious Benn had a big play in his first week back from injury to highlight week two of former Illini in the NFL.
Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints - Rushed for 110 yards on nine attempts (12.2 ypc), including a 48-yard run. and also had four catches for 33 yards in the Saints 35-27 loss to the Panthers. Watch Thomas' 48-yard run
Brandon Lloyd, WR, New England Patriots - Had eight receptions for 60 yards in the Patriots 20-18 loss to the Cardinals. Through two games, Lloyd leads the Patriots with 13 receptions for 129 yards.
Vontae Davis, CB, Indianapolis Colts - Had seven tackles seven tackles, five solo and two assists, in the Colts first win of the season in a 23-20 victory over the Vikings.
Arrelious Benn, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - In his first game of the season, Benn returned seven kickoffs for 180 yards, including a long return of 55 yards, but was not targeted for any pass attempts. Bucs lost 41-34 to the Giants. Watch Benn's 55-yard Kick Return
Tavon Wilson, FS, New England Patriots - Had a fumble recovery in the Patriots 20-18 loss to the Cardinals. Watch Wilson's Fumble Recovery
Brit Miller, FB, St. Louis Rams - Did not record a carry but was essential to the Rams running game, especially during Daryl Richardson 53-yard run, which Miller helped spring. The Rams defeated the Redskins 31-28. Watch Miller's Block Spring a 53-yard run
Jeff Cumberland, TE, New York Jets - Reeled in two catches for 13 yards in the Jets 27-10 loss to the Steelers. He has five catches for 46 yards on the season.
Steve Weatherford, P, New York Giants - Recorded two punts for an average of 39.5 yards with one inside the 20 and a long of 47 in the Giants 41-34 win over Tampa Bay. For the season, Weatherford is averaging 46.7 yards per kick on six punts.
Brandon Moore, OG, New York Jets - Started at right guard, his 123rd consecutive start - the sixth longest active streak in the league, in the Jets 27-10 loss to the Steelers.
Jon Asamoah, OG, Kansas City Chiefs - Started in his 18th consecutive game at guard for the Chiefs, who lost to the Bills 35-17. Allowed QB Matt Cassel the time to throw for over 300 yards and 2 TD's.
Jeff Allen, OT, Kansas City Chiefs - Saw action in the Chiefs 35-17 loss to the Bills on Sunday. Rookie has played in both games during the 2012 season.
Josh Brent, DT, Dallas Cowboys - Made his second career start, recording three tackles in the Cowboys 27-7 loss to the Seahawks. Brent now has five tackles on the season.
Martez Wilson, LB, New Orleans Saints - Recorded his first two tackles of the 2012 season, including a solo tackle.
Corey Liuget, DE, San Diego Chargers - Started at defensive end and had one plass deflection in the Chargers 38-10 win over the Titans.
Alan Ball, CB, Houston Texans - Played in the Texans 27-7 win over the Jags and helped limit Jacksonville's passing attack to less than 80 yards.
Whitney Mercilus, DE, Houston Texans - Recorded his first NFL tackle in his second game on the professional level as the Texans defeated the Jaguars 27-7. Helped hold the Jags rushing attack to 65 yards.
Kelvin Hayden, CB, Chicago Bears - Played in the Bears 23-10 loss to the Packers but did not record a statistic.
David Diehl, OT, New York Giants - Started in his 142nd game on the offensive line for the Giants, who defeated Tampa Bay 41-34, but suffered a MCL injury in the first quarter and did not return. His stats for Week 3 and beyond is unknown.
Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, New England Patriots - Played in the Pats game against the Cardinals but did not a stat.
AJ Jenkins, WR, San Francisco 49ers - Was Inactive for Sunday's 27-19 win over the Lions as the 49ers continue to break the rookie in slowly.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers - Practiced fully all week but sat out Sunday's game vs the Jets due to his knee injury.
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions- Served game two of his two game suspension.
Former Illini on NFL Practice Squads
Jerry Brown, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Jack Cornell, OL, Baltimore Ravens



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