Steelers' Antonio Brown has partially torn calf, per reports

PITTSBURGH – Though the Steelers fell to the New England Patriots in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday night, the team might avoided a serious injury for one of its stars.

Receiver Antonio Brown suffered a partially torn calf that the team hopes he can return from by the postseason, according to multiple reports.

Brown was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday night's game and taken to a hospital for further evaluation, the team announced.

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After a collision in the end zone following an attempted pass, Brown landed awkwardly and appeared to favor his left ankle and foot. He was helped off the field, not putting any weight on the foot.

When Brown got to the sideline, he tried testing the leg with the help of medical trainers, putting a little more weight on it, but was significantly hobbling. Trainers escorted him to the medical tent, where he remained for a short time, before he was taken into the Steelers locker room. CBS later reported he underwent X-rays.

Brown entered the game with 99 catches for a league-high 1,509 yards and nine touchdowns on the season. With a reception earlier in the game, he became the first player in NFL history with 100 or more receptions in five consecutive seasons.

Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes.

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