A former Illinois preps star and Fighting Illini running back will be making his return to Chicago on Sunday. But it won't be in a Bears uniform.
On Friday, the Washington Redskins announced the signing of running back Pierre Thomas. The 32-year old running back spent time with the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the season.
Thomas graduated from Illinois after the 2006 season and is currently 8th place in school history for career rushing yards (2,545).
In a corresponding move, the Redskins placed ex-Bears DT Stephen Paea on injured reserve.
The first-place Redskins take on the Bears this Sunday at Soldier Field.