Pittsburgh Steelers running back coach, Kirby Wilson, was badly burned early Friday morning in his home. A source says that the fire started in his kitchen then spread elsewhere.
Firefighters responded to his home around 3 a.m. to find the coach burnt on his arms and legs. Wilson was taken to a local Hospital, and a source said that his burns are severe but not life-threatening. The source also says that he suffered burns to 30-50 percent of his body.
The players were notified of the incident during a team meeting on Friday. Some players immediately sensed something was awry because Wilson was always at team facilities earlier than most.
Wilson has been with the Steelers for 5 seasons and has helped mold the young Steeler backfield. Wilson’s role with the team has become even greater with the loss of Rashard Mendenhall, who tore his ACL against Cleveland.
Pittsburgh will now lean on Issac Redman to carry the load in Mendenhall’s absence. This is only Redman’s second season in the league, so the loss of Wilson could hinder his performance. Redman should be fine with the ball in his hands, but his pass blocking may be suspect.
Wilson will not travel with the team to Denver, and nobody is sure when he will be able to return. Pittsburgh faces the Broncos today at 4:30. If the Steelers win, they will face New England next weekend.
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