Pittsburgh Steelers: Antonio Brown out vs. Houston Texans

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has a "significant lower leg contusion" and been ruled out of the team's road game against the Houston Texans on Christmas Day, coach Mike Tomlin announced Tuesday.

"He can be characterized as out this week," Tomlin said. "I don't want to frame it any other way. It's simply too early to tell. We'll see what the future of it holds at the top of next week."

While Tomlin did not address Brown's status for beyond Week 16, multiple reports have the star wide receiver expected to return for the postseason.

Also on Tuesday, Tomlin said that rookie running back James Conner will undergo knee surgery on a damaged MCL and will be placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Brown wrote on Twitter Monday that the injury he sustained in the Steelers' 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots was a "minor setback."

"Even in adversity I can't help but feel blessed. Thanks to everyone who reached out," Brown wrote. "This is a minor setback for me but not this team. The goal is still the same & I'm confident that we can & will achieve it. We may not have won the game yesterday but this TEAM made a statement."

Brown was taken to a local hospital for X-rays on Sunday after his lower leg collided with New England defensive back Eric Rowe in the end zone with 13:09 remaining in the second quarter.

Brown was helped off the field to the chants of "MVP, MVP" from the crowd at Heinz Field.

Earlier in the game, Brown caught his 100th pass of the season to become the only player in NFL history with 100 receptions in five consecutive seasons.

Brown, who hasn't missed a game due to injury since 2012, has put himself into the MVP conversation with 101 catches, 1,533 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Conner sustained his injury on a 2-yard run with 9:54 remaining in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game.

The 22-year-old Conner rushed for 144 yards on 32 carries this season after being selected with a third-round pick by the Steelers. Conner overcame Hodgkin's lymphoma and a serious right knee injury to reach the NFL.

Fitzgerald Toussaint, who has just one carry this season, is the lone other running back outside of star Le'Veon Bell on the 53-man roster. Terrell Watson resides on the practice squad.