Steelers WR Antonio Brown ruled out with calf injury

— -- PITTSBURGH -- Steelers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown left Sunday's game against the Patriots early in the second quarter with a left calf injury and has been officially ruled out, the team announced.

Brown is on his way to the hospital for evaluation, according to the team.

Brown suffered what is being called a calf bruise, a league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

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.

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."