Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers' Brown reportedly has partially torn calf muscle

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New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

The Steelers received a huge blow in the second quarter Sunday when superstar receiver Antonio Brown got knocked out of a crucial game against the New England Patriots with an injury to his left leg.

The news got worse at halftime, when the team announced he was being taken to a hospital for further evaluation of a calf injury.

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After the game, reports indicated Brown was diagnosed with a partially torn calf muscle that would not require surgery, and that he could return to play this season.

Earlier in the game, Brown became the first player in NFL history to record 100 catches in five consecutive seasons. He’s been mentioned as an MVP candidate – no wide receiver has ever won that award.