The flu bug has officially hit the UK football team.

Seven players have been sent home with the flu, including linebacker Micah Johnson, offensive lineman Christian Johnson, tailback Alfonso Smith, linebacker Ridge Wilson, offensive lineman Dave Ulinski, linebacker Jacob Dufrene and defensive end Patrick Ligon, head coach Rich Brooks said Tuesday.

The bouts with illness come in addition to a wealth of injuries the Cats are battling.

“Injuries are one thing but the sickness bug has really hit us good right now,” Brooks said. “That usually means there’s going to be a lot more to follow. We’ll just have to deal with it the best we can.”

Brooks said they’ve had to the battle the flu every season, but this year is the most guys they have been missing at one time. The biggest concern Brooks has is when they will return and who else will come down with the flu.

Some of the players were probably tested for the H1N1 virus (swine flu) when they were sent over the medical center, but “if they’re sick, they’re sick,” Brooks said.

In other news, cornerback Trevard Lindley (high ankle sprain) made it through the entire practice Tuesday and now UK will wait to see how he responds. Brooks said Locke obviously wasn’t 100 percent, but he did go through every drill.

Running back Derrick Locke (knee) did not practice and has been downgraded to doubtful.