While two Illini quarterbacks wait to see if they'll get their first start of the season this weekend, one former Illini quarterback just learned he'll earn his first professional start.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Reeves announced Wednesday that former Illini quarterback Kurt Kittner will start in Sunday's game against New Orleans.

Kittner, who was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2002 draft, will replace six-game starter Doug Johnson.

Johnson, who was named starter when Michael Vick broke his leg in a preseason game, has totaled an NFL-leading 10 interceptions this year and has led the Falcons to five straight losses.

"I'm just trying to ... go out and do things I'm good at and take care of the football and make the most of the opportunity," Kittner told the Associated Press. "We're all striving for the same thing. We're all trying to put the bad stuff behind us and come out on the right side."

Kittner has totaled 7-of-17 completions for 53 yards as a backup this year.

He ranks second on Illinois' all-time passing list with 8,722 career yards.

"I'm real happy for him," Illinois head coach Ron Turner said. "He's a ball guy, and I'm sure he'll do well. He'll be Kurt — he'll be himself."

Another injury hits Illini

Illinois offensive lineman Bryan Koch will be out for the season after injuring his neck in the first half of the Michigan State game, Turner said Tuesday. Koch finished the game on Saturday, but the injury turned out to be more serious than the medical staff originally thought, Turner said.

"I think it was something that was building, but it was really one play," Turner said. "We're very confident he'll be playing after this year."

Koch, a junior, started all seven games at left guard for the Illini. Junior Dave Hilderbrand, a backup center who was also positioned at tight end during some of the Michigan State game, will start in Koch's place.

"(Hilderbrand's) gotten a lot of reps at center and guard and he's played in the last few games, so he's stepped in, and so far he's doing good," Turner said.

Beutjer keeps watch

on practice

Illinois quarterback Jon Beutjer said Wednesday that he has been playing through pain since injuring his back during the California game on Sept. 20.

"It's been nagging ever since," Beutjer said. "If I keep playing, it's at the point where I'd hurt the team now... I've been trying to play through the pain as much as I can."

Beutjer, who attended Illinois practice Wednesday in sweats to watch possible Michigan game starters Chris Pazan and Dustin Ward, said the problem is disc-related. He is being treated with ice, heat and stretching.

Beutjer will be re-evaluated Sunday and said he hopes to play next week.

Turner said the team is reacting "fine" to Beutjer's absence.

"Obviously, nobody wants to see Jon get hurt," Turner said. "But that's a part of football, and they've responded well."