NFL preseason schedule for each Illinois football rookie

Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Kerby Joseph (25) celebrates an interception to win the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Kerby Joseph (25) celebrates an interception to win the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 6: Tanner Morgan #2 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers is tackled by Roderick Perry II #96 of the Illinois Fighting Illini after recovering his fumble in the first quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Fighting Illini defeated the Golden Gophers 14-6. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 6: Tanner Morgan #2 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers is tackled by Roderick Perry II #96 of the Illinois Fighting Illini after recovering his fumble in the first quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Fighting Illini defeated the Golden Gophers 14-6. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Roderick Perry II

The two-year Illini defensive tackle, Rod Perry II, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Browns on May 1.


According to ESPN, Perry is listed as the team’s fourth-string right defensive tackle.  It is unlikely Cleveland will include four right defensive tackles on its 53-man roster, so Perry will need to stand out during training camp, which begins July 30, as well as the preseason.

The former All-Big Ten honorable mention will make his Browns debut when Cleveland visits the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug 12 at 6:00 p.m. CT.

  • @ Jacksonville – Friday, Aug 12 @ 6:00 p.m. CT
  • Vs. Philadelphia – Sunday, Aug 21 @ 12:00 p.m. CT
  • Vs. Chicago – Saturday, Aug 27 @ 6:00 p.m. CT

Brandon Peters

The key-holder to the 2021 Illini offense, Brandon Peters, was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers after not seeing his name selected during the 2022 NFL Draft.

ESPN’s depth chart has Peters as the Chargers’ fourth-string quarterback, sitting behind Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, and Easton Stick.

Herbert and Daniel are guaranteed locks to make the 53-man roster, so Peters will need to out-dual Stick for that third-string spot if Los Angeles even decides to keep three quarterbacks.

Peters and the rookies have already arrived for the Chargers’ training camp, which begins on Aug 1.

  • Vs. Los Angeles (R) – Saturday, Aug 13 @ 9:00 p.m. CT
  • Vs. Dallas – Saturday, Aug 20 @ 9:00 p.m. CT
  • @ New Orleans – Friday, Aug 26 @ 7:00 p.m. CT

Khalan Tolson

Last, but certainly not least, Khalan Tolson signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent after not being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The three-year Illini linebacker is listed as Carolina’s fourth-string weak-side linebacker.  Former first-round selection Shaq Thompson – who signed a 4-year, 52-million extension in 2019 – is the team’s starter, likely ruling out any possibility of Tolson starting at the position.

Tolson will get his chance to climb up the depth chart or move to a lateral position during the Panthers’ preseason, which begins Aug 13 at 12:00 p.m. CT vs. the Washington Commanders.

  • @ Washington – Saturday, Aug 13 @ 12:00 p.m. CT
  • @ New England – Friday, Aug 19 @ 6:00 p.m. CT
  • Vs. Buffalo – Friday, Aug 26 @ 6:00 p.m. CT

Next. Illini eyeing a top Indiana quarterback for 2024. dark