Illini in the NFL: Corey Liuget, Whitney Mercilus shine in Week 6

Each week the Illini in the NFL update provides coverage on how former Illinois football players -- who ended their college careers with the Illini -- fared during the previous week.

Here's how former Illini players performed in Week 5:

Jeff Allen (OT, Chiefs) - Allen came off the bench and played in the Chiefs' 16-10 loss to Minnesota. He has yet to return to the starting lineup since suffering a strained MCL in the preseason opener, but is "pretty close" to 100 percent.

Alan Ball (DB, Bears) - Ball made one tackle in a 37-34 loss to Detroit.

Jeff Cumberland (TE, Jets) - Cumberland started, but did not record any stats in a 34-20 win over Washington.

Vontae Davis (CB, Colts) - Davis started, but did not record any stats in a 34-27 loss to New England.

Michael Hoomanawanui (TE, Saints) - Hoomanawanui came off the bench, and helped the Saints to a 31-21 win over Atlanta. He did not record any stats.

Corey Liuget (DT, Chargers) - Liuget had five tackles, including four solo, and a sack in a 27-20 loss to Green Bay.

Whitney Mercilus (LB, Texans) - Mercilus had three solo tackles and two sacks in a 31-20 win over Jacksonville.

Akeem Spence (DT, Buccaneers) - Spence did not play.

Hugh Thornton (OL, Colts) - Thornton made his fourth consecutive start of the season in the Colts' loss to the Patriots.

Tavon Wilson (SS, Patriots) - Wilson made one tackle against the Colts.

Former Illini on Injured Reserve

John Asamoah (OL, Falcons) - Asamoah will miss the entire 2015 season with a hip injury. He started 15 games for the Falcons last season.

Arrelious Benn (WR, Jaguars) - Benn suffered a broken collarbone during the preseason and will miss the entire 2015 season.