Gilmore among 8 Patriots sidelined from practice due to flu bug

The New England Patriots have been hit hard by the flu.

Eight players, including cornerback Stephon Gilmore, safety Patrick Chung, left tackle Isaiah Wynn, and linebackers Jamie Collins Sr. and Dont'a Hightower, missed Wednesday's practice, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.

"We had guys come in, you'd look in their eyes and you could just tell they were out of it," said safety Devin McCourty. "Hopefully a day at home, with meds and rest, helps guys out."

Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon was also limited in practice with an illness. He was commended by head coach Bill Belichick for playing through sickness in Sunday's win against the Dallas Cowboys.

The reigning Super Bowl champions and current AFC leaders face the Houston Texans on Sunday night.

McCourty didn't appear too concerned about how the sidelined players' status would affect the Patriots for the key conference clash.

"We have a lot of tough guys, but we have to see how it goes throughout the week," he said.

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