Flu bug makes its way through Steelers locker room days before AFC championship game

PITTSBURGH — With just days to go before the AFC championship game in Foxborough, several Pittsburgh Steelers players and staff members have been affected by a flu bug.

According to Channel 11’s news partners at

, head coach Mike Tomlin is not among those who are ill.

“I'm just thankful I've stayed out of the line of fire,” Tomlin said Thursday during a press conference.

At least five players this week have had practice time affected by illness,

reported.

Kicker Chris Boswell, reserves guard B.J. Finney, receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and quarterback Zach Mettenberger all sat out on Wednesday.

They all returned to practice, in a full capacity, Thursday, but tight end Ladarius Green was held out, at least in part, because of illness,

reported. Regardless of the flu, Green remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and needs to complete a practice to see how his body responds as a step toward being cleared to play in a game

Multiple Steelers downplayed the possibility of the bug having an effect on the team and its preparations for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.

“None of it matters other than what we do on the field,” guard Ramon Foster told

. “I swear to you guys. Nothing's an issue when it comes to playing the game on Sunday. That's all that matters. Whatever a guy is doing, he'll just plug up the stomach and roll.”

No players missed Friday's practice, according to a release sent by the Steelers.

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