Illinois football’s NFL pipeline took a few hits during roster-cut day, but the program still had plenty of names survive the league’s 53-man squeeze as teams sorted out their final rosters heading into the 2026 campaign.
The most notable development on the cutdown front came with quarterback Luke Altmyer, who was waived by the Detroit Lions. That move keeps him in play for another team to claim, though Tom Pelissero reported that Detroit would like to bring him back on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The Lions are waiving rookie QB Luke Altmyer, per source.
Detroit wants Altmyer back on the practice squad if he clears waivers. But veteran Josh Dobbs will back up Jared Goff.
- Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 30, 2026
Altmyer wasn’t the only Illini name squeezed off a roster. Center Josh Kreutz was waived by the Indianapolis Colts, and the expectation is that he could end up on the practice squad after what was described as a strong preseason.
Wide receiver Hank Beatty was also waived by the Tennessee Titans after doing a lot of work on special teams, while wideout Casey Washington was waived by the Carolina Panthers. Guard Josh Gesky was waived by the Green Bay Packers, and safety Miles Scott was waived by the Denver Broncos.
Even with those setbacks, Illinois had several players lock down full-time jobs. Defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. was the biggest surprise of the bunch, making the San Francisco 49ers’ 53-man roster as a rookie.
Safety Tony Adams also made it with the Tennessee Titans, which fits with his experience entering his fifth NFL season and having started 35 games over the past three years. Safety Sydney Brown earned a spot with the Atlanta Falcons, while running back Chase Brown stayed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Center Ted Karras also remained with the Bengals, and the Denver Broncos kept wide receiver Pat Bryant and offensive lineman Alex Palczewski. Linebacker Jake Hansen made the Houston Texans’ roster as well.
There was also one Illinois name on the move via trade. Defensive tackle TeRah Edwards, formerly of the Illini, was dealt by the Los Angeles Chargers in a last-second trade to the Carolina Panthers, with the Chargers receiving a sixth-round pick in return.
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