Hudson, severe foot injuries are an unfortunate byproduct of the necessity to preserve the integrity of the slides.
The aircraft was definately a -400 although some of the news footage used file images of a -200.
Pulling out the Perf Manual, even at a slightly heavier weights (for unburnt holding fuel) normal autobrakes shouldn't put the temps up too high. Even max manual is about mid-range (5-6), on a scale of 9. And the brake cooling chart doesn't allocate for reverser use at all!
It's a big call, but if someone says 'fire' and there's no tenders around (it'll take them 3 minutes to get there), there aren't many alternatives...
Hope the FO (and everyone else) gets better soon!
Lancer