Antonio Brown unlikely to play vs. Broncos after hit from Vontaze Burfict
The Steelers wide receiver is in the concussion protocol.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown is unlikely to play in this Sunday's AFC Divisional game against the Denver Broncos after suffering a concussion in a Wild Card Weekend win over the the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a report from ESPN's Bob Holtzman.
Brown, who was accused of faking his concussion by Bengals cornerback Adam Jones, has entered the concussion protocol and a source told Holtzman that it’s “not looking good” for him to play this week.
Brown, 27, left the game with less than a minute remaining after a hit from Vontaze Burfict. The hit drew a 15-yard penalty and Burfict he has since been suspended for three games next season. The play ended up being the final offensive play of the game for the Steelers after another personal foul from Adam Jones moved Pittsburgh inside the red zone and the team kicked a 35-yard field goal on the next play.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed after the game that Brown suffered a concussion from the hit:
Brown is one of the best receivers in the NFL and was named a first-team All-Pro for a second consecutive season after accumulating an NFL-leading 136 receptions for 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015. After only six seasons with the Steelers, he has already tallied 7,093 receiving yards and is third in franchise history behind only Hines Ward and John Stallworth.
While Martavis Bryant has emerged as the starter opposite Brown, he finished the year with only 765 receiving yards in 11 games and posted only 29 receiving yards against the Bengals in the Wild Card round.
Against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Steelers will have their hands full trying to get things going on offense. The Broncos finished the year No. 1 in total defense and pass defense, although in a Week 15 win over the Broncos, Brown managed to rack up 16 receptions for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is day to day with a shoulder injury, but he is expected to play.
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