WARWICK, R.I. —
The New England Patriots have been hit hard by illness this week, as nine players have been listed as questionable for Sunday night’s road game against the Houston Texans.

Seven Patriots starters — cornerback Stephon Gilmore; linebackers Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins; offensive tackles Marcus Cannon and Isaiah Wynn; and safety Patrick Chung — are among the players listed on the team’s injury report with an illness.

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Offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor and cornerback Joejuan Williams are also listed as questionable for the Texans game with an illness.

Tight end Ryan Izzo did not make the trip to Houston after missing all three of New England’s practice sessions during the week with an illness.

Because a bug has hit the Patriots hard, the team flew two team planes to Houston in order to accommodate the sick players and keep the healthier players away from them, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

@FieldYates
With an illness sweeping the locker room this week, the Patriots did something uncommon in traveling to Houston: the team flew in two planes, one to accommodate those who were sick and keep others away from them. Nine players are questionable because of the sickness.