Sunday night, ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on Twitter that initial tests revealed both a torn ACL and torn MCL for Welker, and that he would undergo more testing Monday.

New England had wrapped up the AFC East prior to Week 17 and will have to play in the postseason's opening round, which begins next Saturday.

 As the NFL moves into the playoffs, the league is searching for a safer helmet and considering offseason rule changes to provide more protection from concussions.

Congress is still on the NFL's case, too, and will examine head injuries in football again Monday, one day after the regular season ended and Miami Dolphins quarterback Pat White was carted off the field because of a helmet-to-helmet collision in a game.