Pittsburgh Steelers' Antonio Brown ruled out for week 16 with calf injury
Wednesday 20 December 2017 14:11, UK
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown will miss their week 16 date with the Houston Texans on Christmas Day.
Brown suffered a lower leg injury in the narrow defeat by the New England Patriots last Sunday and coach Mike Tomlin confirmed on Wednesday he had a "significant contusion."
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported after the game that Brown had partially torn his calf, and would be out until the play-offs, but Tomlin was non-committal over his longer-term future.
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"He can be characterised as out this week," Tomlin said.
"I don't want to frame it any other way. It's simply too early to tell. We'll see what the future of it holds at the top of next week."
Brown has enjoyed another stellar season in 2017, catching 101 passes for 1,533 yards - both leading the NFL - and nine touchdowns.
With Brown's help, the Steelers have already secured the AFC North title and they remain in the hunt for what could now be a vital first-round bye despite going going down 27-24 to the Patriots on Sunday.
Tomlin also confirmed that backup running-back James Conner will have surgery on a knee injury and miss the rest of the season - his place on the roster has gone to free-agent running-back Stevan Ridley.
Cornerback Joe Haden (leg) and tight end Vance McDonald (shoulder) should be available to face the Texans after missing out on Sunday.
