Steelers superstar Antonio Brown suffers partially torn calf muscle

The Pittsburgh Steelers headed into Week 15’s showdown with the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots with high hopes of making a statement against arguably the best team in the NFL.

Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, that statement fell short in the final minute as they fell to Tom Brady and company due to a game-winning interception by the Patriots. Although the team fell short, the outcome could’ve been much different hadn’t the team lost arguably their best player, Antonio Brown, to injury.

Brown went down on a potential touchdown catch and left the game and didn’t return. Now it appears Brown has suffered a calf injury which will impact his status for the rest of the regular season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Steelers WR Antonio Brown has a partially torn calf muscle, per source. Unlikely to play next week but expected back for the postseason.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2017

The Steelers will now have to press on while leaning on Martavis Bryant and rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster to carry the load for Brown. Although Brown is without a doubt the best player at his position in the NFL, Ben Roethlisberger’s receiving core is talented and may very well be able to carry the load if it is a short-term ailment.

In Week 16, the Steelers will go head-to-head against the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football. The odds will almost certainly be in Pittsburgh’s favor with or without Brown set to play.