Hoos in the NFL Week 5: LaRoy Reynolds makes his mark in Chicago

LaRoy Reynolds (LB, Chicago Bears), Season Stats: 5 Tackles, 1 Tackle for Loss
We mentioned last week that Reynolds had signed with the Bears and may have an opportunity to earn playing time this season due to Chicago's defensive woes. That opportunity came Sunday when Bears starter Shea McClellin left the Bears 18-17 victory over the Chiefs in the second half with a knee injury. Reynolds filled in admirably, racking up three tackles, including one for a loss, in roughly two quarters of action. Considering he only had about two weeks to integrate himself and learn the scheme, Reynolds performance is nothing short of remarkable. While the extent of McClellin's injury is unknown, Reynolds showed more than enough to earn an increased role in the coming weeks.

Eugene Monroe (OT, Baltimore Ravens)
Monroe made his return to the gridiron on Sunday for the first time since suffering a concussion in the Ravens opening game against the Broncos. While the Ravens could not emerge victorious this week, succumbing to the Browns 33-30 in overtime, Monroe's return helped spark a previously dormant Baltimore running game. With Monroe back in the lineup Justin Forsett had one of his best games of the season, rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown on 5.8 yards per carry. At 1-4 it may be too late for the Ravens to salvage their season but Monroe's return could signal that better performances are ahead.

Heath Miller (TE, Pittsburgh Steelers), Season Stats: 16 Receptions, 163 Yards, 1 Touchdown
Miller saw his role return to a state of normalcy after last week's low output, hauling in three catches for 46 yards against the Chargers on Monday Night Football. Despite not recording a touchdown, Miller may have had his biggest catch of the season as he reeled in a 16 yard pass down to the San Diego one yard line with only five seconds left. That catch set up the game winning run with Le'Veon Bell, with Miller setting the edge, as time expired and the Steelers escaped San Diego with a 24-20 victory.

Rodney McLeod (FS, St. Louis Rams), Season Stats: 27 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble
McLeod and the Rams faced their toughest test of the season in Week 5 as they squared off against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers at Lambeau Field. The Rams were unable to pull out a victory, falling 24-10, but the defense only allowed 17 points as one Packers touchdown came via a pick six. Perhaps most impressively, the Rams intercepted Rodgers twice, his first (and second) interceptions at home since 2012. McLeod had a fairly quiet game, amassing only three tackles but he continues to be stout in run support and is fearless when crashing down towards the line from the secondary.

Morgan Moses (OT, Washington Redskins)
Moses and the Redskins continued their trend of alternating wins and losses, losing a heartbreaker in overtime to Atlanta 25-19. Unlike in past weeks the Washington offensive line failed to block effectively in the running game as the team racked up only 51 yards on 24 attempts, a paltry 2.1 yards per carry. Moses continues to be a mainstay at right tackle, however, and he was one of four linemen to play on every snap for the Skins. Hopefully Moses and Washington can get back on the winning side next week against the Jets.

Oday Aboushi (OG, Houston Texans)
The Texans earlier season struggles refused to go away last week, as Houston lost a Thursday night contest to the Colts 27-20. Aboushi left the game early with what was rumored to be a broken toe, but Texans coach Bill O'Brien said he is merely dealing with turf toe soreness and is listed as day-to-day. Despite Houston's struggles Aboushi was beginning to come into his own as part of the line and it would be a shame to see his development stunted due to an injury.

The following UVa players are on an NFL roster (or Injured Reserve) but either did not play or appeared in only limited action last week: Branden Albert (LT, Miami Dolphins), Luke Bowanko (C, Jacksonville Jaguars), Ahmad Brooks (LB, San Francisco 49ers), Chris Canty (DE, Baltimore Ravens), D'Brickashaw Ferguson (OT, New York Jets), Eli Harold (LB, San Francisco 49ers), Dontrelle Inman (WR, San Diego Chargers), Chris Long (DE, St. Louis Rams), Austin Pasztor (OT, Cleveland Browns), Cedric Peerman (RB, Cincinnati Bengals), John Phillips (TE, San Diego Chargers), Matt Schaub (QB, Baltimore Ravens), Brent Urban (DE, Baltimore Ravens).