The flu isn’t the only illness the Patriots have to worry about.

Kicker Nick Folk underwent an appendectomy on Thursday, according to CLNS Media, ahead of New England’s Sunday night matchup against the Houston Texans.
Though Folk’s recovery timetable remains unclear, it’s likely the Patriots will be utilizing the services of a fourth kicker come this weekend.
In October, veteran Stephen Gostkowski was placed on injured reserve with a hip injury. Gostkowski was replaced by Mike Nugent, but he was released after missing three field goals and one extra point in four games. The Patriots replaced one former Jets kicker with another when they signed Folk.
Folk, who has made 7-of-9 kicks in three games, had previously been with the Arizona Hotshots of the now-defunct Alliance of American Football league.