Illini in the NFL: Whitney Mercilus shines in Week 8

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 8:

Jeff Allen (OT, Chiefs) - Allen made his second straight start, and the Chiefs picked up another win with a 45-10 decision over Detroit.

Alan Ball (DB, Bears) - Ball played but did not record any stats in a 23-20 loss to Minnesota.

Jeff Cumberland (TE, Jets) - For the second straight week, Cumberland made one catch in a New York loss in which the Jets scored 20 points. This week it was a seven yard grab in a 34-20 loss to Oakland.

Vontae Davis (CB, Colts) - Davis had two tackles, two pass deflections and an interception in a 29-26 overtime loss to Carolina. It's the second straight week Davis has recorded two pass deflections and a pick.

Michael Hoomanawanui (TE, Saints) - Hoomanawanui did not record a catch against New York, but played 27 of the Saints' 78 offensive snaps (35 percent), according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Corey Liuget (DT, Chargers) - Liuget did not record any stats in a loss to Baltimore.

Whitney Mercilus (LB, Texans) - Mercilus made seven tackles, including six solo and had 3.5 sacks in a 20-6 win over the Tennessee.

Akeem Spence (DT, Buccaneers) - Spence made two tackles in a 23-20 loss to Atlanta.

Hugh Thornton (OL, Colts) - Thornton made his sixth consecutive start in the Colts' loss to the Panthers.

Steve Weatherford (P, Jets) - Weatherford was cut by the Jets after one game and made $51,000.

Tavon Wilson (SS, Patriots) - Wilson did not record any stats in a 36-7 loss to Miami.

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.