MADISON, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers next opponent has been sacked before the game even starts. The Cleveland Browns have been sacked by the flu.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said 12 players, including several starters, were home with flu-like symptoms this week. He plans to adjust his practice on Wednesday as the team prepares to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Mangini said he'll make sure his players get more rest and the team is taking precautions to make sure others don't get sick.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said the Packers have a similar plan in place if the flu bug were to bite his team.

"We have a plan here as an organization with all of our employees," said McCarthy. "And particularly in the football operations. These are the type of things you plan for in the offseason, and we've had a few guys that have been ill."

Mangini said the NFL has provisions for teams that are overwhelmed by illness and that there may be roster exemptions to use, such as bringing players up from the practice squad.

"Definitely, the league is definitely on top of it," McCarthy said. "There is a number of memos and communication from the league office starting as far back as last year."

Browns linebacker Kamerion Wimbley missed last Sunday's game in Pittsburgh with the flu and Pro Bowl nose tackle Shaun Rogers was sick during the game.