Wes Welker is carted off the field after injuring his knee in the first quarter of New England's loss to Houston. (Dave Einsel/Associated Press)

NFL receptions leader Wes Welker suffered two torn knee ligaments in the New England Patriots' loss to Houston on Sunday, according to multiple reports.

Welker reportedly tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee after making a 12-yard catch, his 123rd of the season, in the first quarter of Sunday's regular-season finale.

The receiver's leg buckled as he turned to go upfield, and he remained on the turf for a couple of minutes before hobbling to the sideline with help from Patriots officials and was soon taken to the locker room on a cart.

The injury happened as Welker was attempting to elude tackler Bernard Pollard. That's the same player who caused Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to miss virtually all of last season with a knee injury similar to Welker's after Pollard — then with Kansas City — delivered a low hit in the 2008 opener.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick did not have an update on Welker's status after the game, which New England lost 34-27, and more tests are scheduled. But if the reports are accurate, Welker would miss the playoffs.

Belichick elected to play almost all his starters — including Welker, fellow receiver Randy Moss and quarterback Tom Brady — even though the Patriots had almost nothing to gain. New England, which finished the season 10-6, came into the game with the AFC East title already secured, and a first-round bye out of reach.

The Patriots have home-field advantage for next weekend's wildcard playoff game against Baltimore, but are looking like a banged-up team. Brady, who split time with backup Brian Hoyer on Sunday, is rumoured to be nursing three cracked ribs and an injured ring finger on his throwing hand.

With files from the Associated Press