WR Antonio Brown hit with virus sweeping Steelers' locker room

A virus has swept through the Steelers locker room, preventing a number of key players from participating in practice.

WR Antonio Brown has had problems catching the ball, but he did catch the virus that has hit the Steelers. (US Presswire)

Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders proudly proclaimed on Friday that he had gotten his flu shot, and he offered his teammates a health tip.

"You've gotta wash your hands around here," Sanders said.

Sound advice considering the virus or bug that kept LB James Harrison from practicing Wednesday and by Thursday appeared to have spread throughout the team. Friday, WR Antonio Brown, LS Greg Warren and LB Stevenson Sylvester did not practice and WR Plaxico Burress was limited -- all due to apparent illness.

"We've got to stay clean," Sanders said. "But I expect them all to play."

Sanders brought up Michael Jordan's famous performance in the 1997 NBA Finals in Utah.

"It's kind of like one of those Michael Jordan-like games for Antonio," Sanders said. "Even though he's sick, he's got to come in and give us a big game, and I think he'll do that."

Allen doubtful: CB Cortez Allen did not practice at all this week. He is officially listed as doubtful to play on Sunday, and it would seem to be a long shot.

The rest of the Steelers' official injury report was more encouraging. Other than the players who have long since been ruled out, everyone else was officially deemed probable. That includes LB LaMarr Woodley, who has missed the past two games with an ankle injury, and CB Keenan Lewis (hip).

Follow Steelers reporter Chris Adamski on Twitter @CBSSteelers and @BuzzsawPGH.