Patriots list 17 as questionable vs. Texans amid illness in locker room

An illness that made its way through the New England Patriots' locker room this week is affecting a group of players and making them uncertain to play in Sunday's game against the Houston Texans.

New England listed 17 players as questionable for the Sunday night contest, with nine suffering from an "illness," according to the team's official injury report.

The majority of the players dealing with illnesses were able to practice in a limited capacity toward the end of the week following earlier absences, perhaps indicating most could suit up.

Linebacker Kyle Van Noy is the lone exception after fully participating in practice Wednesday and Thursday, then being added to the injury report and missing Friday's session.

"It would have been hard if we had to play (Thursday)," Belichick said, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. "It's kind of hit everybody a little bit, so we'll see."

New England enters Week 13 in control of the AFC East while also sitting atop the conference at 10-1. With a win and either a Pittsburgh or Oakland loss, the Patriots can become the first AFC team to clinch a playoff spot.