Illini in the NFL: Vontae Davis, Whitney Mercilus battle injuries in Week 4

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 3:

Jeff Allen (OT, Chiefs) - Allen came off the bench and played in the Chiefs' 36-21 loss to the Bengals. SB Nation's Chiefs site dived into why Allen isn't starting: Read.

Alan Ball (DB, Bears) - Ball did not play due to a groin injury. In Week 3, he made nine tackles (five solo, four assists) and one pass deflection in a 26-0 to the Seattle Seahawks on the road.

Jeff Cumberland (TE, Jets) - Cumberland did not play this week.

Vontae Davis (CB, Colts) - Davis made three total tackles and a pass deflection in the Colts' 16-13 win over the Jaguars. He missed Monday's walk-through practice and was seen in a walking boot on his left foot, ESPN reports.

Michael Hoomanawanui (TE, Saints) - Hoomanawanui did not play this week after being traded from the New England Patriots to the New Orleans Saints.

Corey Liuget (DT, Chargers) - Liuget had five tackles (three solo, two assists) in a 30-27 win over the Browns.

Whitney Mercilus (LB, Texans) - Mercilus had one tackle and one assist in a 48-21 loss to the Falcons. He exited the game in the third quarter with a leg injury.

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

Hugh Thornton (OL, Colts) - Thornton made his second consecutive start of the season in the Colts' win over the Jaguars.

Tavon Wilson (FS, Patriots) - Wilson did not play this week as the Patriots had a bye week.

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.