Steelers confirm Brown will miss Week 16 due to lower leg contusion

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that star wide receiver Antonio Brown will miss Monday's game against the Houston Texans due to a lower leg contusion, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

However, Tomlin wouldn't comment on Brown's status beyond this week. The pass-catcher reportedly tore his calf muscle, but he's expected to return in time for the postseason.

The 11-3 Steelers are still on course to secure a first-round bye despite their heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots in Week 15, though the 10-4 Jacksonville Jaguars are still in contention. Getting Brown an extra week of rest should give Pittsburgh added motivation to win out.

In Brown's absence, Martavis Bryant and JuJu Smith-Schuster are set to be the focal points of the Steelers' passing game.