The Steelers are getting sick at the wrong time as they prepare for Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Patriots.

A 24-hour flu bug has entered the Steelers' practice facility and has affected nearly 15 people including multiple players, receiver Cobi Hamilton said Thursday, via ESPN.com.

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Tight end Ladarius Green, receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, kicker Chris Boswell, center B.J. Finney and quarterback Zach Mettenberger are among those who missed Wednesday's practice because of the illness. They were able to return to the field Thursday.

"I'm just thankful that I've stayed out of the line of fire," head coach Mike Tomlin said about the illnesses. "We're not making excuses. There won't be. We'll be there, we'll be ready to play, this is just part of normal things that happen over the course of a season"

Looks like the Steelers will have to play "sick" literally when they face off against the Patriots.