Report: Brown tore calf muscle; expected back for playoffs

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown won't play next week, but he is expected to return to action for the postseason after partially tearing a left calf muscle in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The star wideout went down early in the second quarter after being sandwiched by Patriots defensive backs Duron Harmon and Eric Rowe on an ill-fated shot at the end zone. Brown was immediately seen favoring his left leg, and had to be helped to the locker room for X-rays before being transported to hospital for further evaluation. Pittsburgh ultimately lost what turned into a nail-biter by a score of 27-24.

The Steelers will travel to the Lone Star State to meet the Houston Texans on Christmas Day.

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