Steelers second year wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders announced this morning on his Facebook page that his mother has passed away. Sanders just made his first career start Sunday against the Patriots in place of the injured Hines Ward and recorded 5 catches for 70 yards.

No further word is available about the passing of Stephanie Sanders, but the hearts of Steeler Nation certainly go out to him and all of his loved ones during this trying time. Sanders likely will fly home to Texas to be with his family and tend to services. Head coach Mike Tomlin will likely update his status in about an hour during his weekly press conference.

Sanders posted on Twitter a short time ago, “Mom passed away this morning. Tell ur loved ones how much they mean to you cuz you never know when that day will come.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to him.