He had to watch a teammate, Ronnie Cruz, suffer a season-ending knee injury to do it. But Wilson, for the time being at least, is the Chiefs fullback.

That isn’t one of the most significant offensive roles. The Chiefs frequently prefer using Larry Johnson as a single back rather than using a two-back formation.

It’s still a way for Wilson to, at long last, get involved. That’s something he’s been waiting for patiently since being drafted by the Chiefs in the second round two years ago.

“It’s been difficult,” Wilson said. “It just takes diligence and determination. You just have to be able to keep going, keep practicing and keep working hard, and sooner or later the opportunity arrives. You’ve got to be in position to take advantage.”

Wilson steps in at a most difficult time for the Chiefs – particularly on offense. Their running game hasn’t worked for most of the season, and the passing game moved only sporadically with backup quarterback Damon Huard playing for the injured Trent Green.

The fullback, as it was with Cruz, is mostly a run blocker and a pass protector. Cruz had five carries and two pass receptions in five games.

When they want to run, the Chiefs probably will use a lot of Jason Dunn, their second tight end and a strong blocker, rather than Wilson.