FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — For a stretch in the fourth quarter — including a highlight level touchdown tip catch — DeVier Posey looked like he just might give the Houston Texans more hope for next season.

But now, the rookie wide receiver is on crutches, facing a long, grueling rehab before his second season. Posey hobbled out of Gillette Stadium knowing that he's torn his Achilles tendon. It's one of the worst injuries a high-end athlete can suffer.

So much for the good feelings about Posey being a sure contributor next season.

"At least I know what it is," Posey said, stopping on his crutches to give a quick interview. "It's frustrating. But at least I know what I'm dealing with."

The Texans are dealing with the realization that they still don't have a sure thing at wide receiver after all-pro Andre Johnson. Posey showed flashes late in the 41-28 playoff loss to the New England Patriots, catching three passes for 47 yards as the offense opened up and Matt Schaub let it loose.

Posey's touchdown catch is as athletic and acrobatic as anything Johnson's ever pulled off. The officials needed replay review to confirm that Posey pulled it off. He initially bobbled the ball, tipping it to himself before catching it, lying on his back in the end zone.

"I'm not impressed or pleased with it," Posey said, dismissing the catch. "We lost. That's all that matters."

Now the Texans just have to hope they'll have Posey back to try and make more plays before a big chunk of next season is gone. That is no small matter.

Of all the young wideouts the Texans hoped for big things from this season — Lestar Jean and Keshawn Martin included — Posey is the one who showed the most potential in the end.

And now he's the one on crutches.