Pittsburgh Steelers running back coach Kirby Wilson to miss Broncos game due to burn injury – NFL News
The Pittsburgh Steelers have confirmed that their running backs' coach, Kirby Wilson, who was burned in a house fire, earlier on Friday, will not accompany his team for their first round game of the American Football Conference (AFC) playoffs against the
Denver Broncos on Sunday, January 08, 2012.
Wilson is hospitalised, following his burn injuries in the house fire and is being ruled out of the weekend game, which is the Steelers' first playoff tie in the National Football League (NFL) postseason.
The team management has expressed shock over the news of the fire at his house and resultant injuries to Wilson, saying all of their side was keen to see him recover well and quickly to join them soon.
"We know that he has the best medical care in the country treating him", Steelers’ president, Art Rooney II, said in a statement. "The entire organization is praying for Kirby to have a full recovery and we will be by his side through this difficult time".
The coach is being treated at the UPMC Mercy Hospital for burn injuries, where the Steelers’ quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, had been treated in 2006, following his motorbike accident.
Wilson’s house was seen on fire early Friday morning and later it was reported that the coach had received burn injuries in the blaze.
He was immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment.
The latest status of his injury however is not clear along with no confirmation of a timeline for his recovery and rehabilitation.
His place was taken by Harold Goodwin, the Steelers’ offensive coach, who worked with the team's running backs on Friday.
He is expected to cover up for Wilson in Steelers’ future games, till Wilson recovers and is back to the side.
In addition to the team management, the Steelers’ players have also spoken of their concerns for Wilson’s injury and his consequent absence from the team just before one of their crucial ties into the first week of NFL postseason.
Popularity for his high energy generating approach among the players during training sessions has especially made his absence felt amid the team.
"He's really taken me from a practice-squad running back to a running back that's capable of playing in this league", running back, Isaac Redman, said of Wilson.
"He had a lot to do with my development, being able to recognize defences and being able to be just a complete professional in how I go about my life every day".
Some of the players, including Hines Ward, said that they could not believe that Wilson’s condition will become a distraction for them at their practice sessions.
Redman meanwhile, said that they will go and try their best for a win over the Broncos this weekend, in dedication to coach Kirby Wilson.
Tags: