Tests performed Monday confirmed that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne has a torn ACL, ending his season, coach Chuck Pagano said.
"We hate to lose anybody, but this one stings," Pagano said. "You just don't replace guys like 87. But he'll be back, I know how he's wired. I know how his DNA is.
"After the conversation I just had with him, wait and see. We'll all put on the clothes for Reggie and we'll help him get it back," Pagano said.
The 34-year-old Wayne has played in 189 straight games, the most among active players. His streak was the third longest by a wide receiver in NFL history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Colts owner Jim Irsay posted his reaction to Wayne's injury on his Twitter account.
Had a long cry with Reggie....now he's gonna do what Reggie does...out work everybody and fight n work his way back!
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 21, 2013
Wayne injured his knee when he tried to come back for an underthrown pass by quarterback Andrew Luck with 7:15 left in the Colts' 39-33 victory over the previously unbeaten Denver Broncos.
Wayne finished Sunday night's game with five catches for 50 yards.
Wayne remained on the ground for several minutes as some of his teammates, including Luck, receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, safety Antoine Bethea and linebacker Robert Mathis, circled around him. With the crowd chanting "Reggie! Reggie! Reggie!" Wayne eventually got up and made his way to the sideline.
Wayne's absence will be felt by Luck, especially. Over the last two seasons, Wayne has been targeted 245 times, which ranks only behind the Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson (262) and Chicago Bears' Brandon Marshall (260) for most in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
In his career, when Luck is under duress, he has thrown to Wayne 57 times, which is the most in the NFL over the last two seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The Colts (5-2) have a bye next weekend before playing at Houston on Nov. 3.
ESPN NFL Insiders Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen and ESPN.com Colts reporter Mike Wells contributed to this report.