Steelers WR Antonio Brown (concussion) out against Broncos

— -- PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has been ruled out for Sunday's playoff game at Denver.

Brown could not get over the concussion protocol hump.

The team announced the news Friday. The Steelers are set to practice at 10:30 a.m.

Sources said Brown told people in the building he was optimistic he could return, but that was hardly a guarantee considering the sensitive nature of concussions. Brown has consulted an NFL-approved, offsite neurologist daily.

Brown gave a thumbs up and an indication he plans to play in the AFC championship game to ESPN while driving away in his car on Friday.

ESPN's Bob Holtzman reported earlier in the week that things were "not looking good" for Brown, who took a vicious hit from Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in the final minute of the Steelers' 18-16 wild-card win. After the game, Bengals cornerback Adam Jones accused Brown of faking the injury, and said publicly that he would apologize if Brown missed the Denver game.

Jones owes an apology now.

Brown was the league's best receiver with 136 catches, 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season.

Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton said Brown's supporting cast is willing to pick up the slack in Brown's absence.

"I know they've had a couple of good practices," offensive coordinator Todd Haley said of his receiver group. "This is a group that has shown they are pretty mentally tough. They prepare the same every week."

Wheaton said he can play the inside or outside receiver positions if necessary, and Martavis Bryant is more than a deep threat.

"We will definitely be up to the challenge," Wheaton said.