Steelers WR Antonio Brown has partially torn calf muscle, source says

— -- PITTSBURGH -- Steelers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown?is unlikely to play next week against the? Houston Texans?after suffering a partially torn calf muscle on Sunday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. He is expected back for the postseason.?

Brown left Pittsburgh's? 27-24 loss to the Patriots early in the second quarter with a left calf injury and did not return. Team officials helped Brown off the field and all the way into a blue tent on the sideline. He was then taken into the tunnel and later to the hospital for evaluation.?

Brown attempted to catch a pass in the end zone when a Patriots defensive back appeared to roll over his left leg.

Brown is considered one of the toughest Steelers. He hasn't missed a regular season game because of injury since 2012.

Earlier in the game, Brown became the first receiver in NFL history with five consecutive seasons with triple-digit receptions, breaking the tie with Marvin Harrison at four.

Brown entered the Week 15 matchup with the Patriots with 99 catches.

Brown has elevated himself into the MVP conversation with 101 catches, 1,533 yards and 9 touchdowns, including several plays that clinched last-minute victories.

"[Brown] deserves to be an MVP candidate, if not the MVP," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said during the week. "The first WR to get it, I don't know anyone more deserving. What he's capable to do every week is spectacular. I'm happy to be a part of it and do my little part. It's so much fun to watch him."

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced that rookie running back James Conner suffered an MCL injury against the Patriots.?