Michael Crabtree Injury: San Francisco 49ers WR fully practiced, lock to play
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) returns a punt as Baltimore Ravens punter Sam Koch (4) closes for a tackle in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers have been playing things cautiously with No. 1 wide receiver Michael Crabtree, and it would be imprudent to do anything other than move Crabtree’s return along slowly. Severe Achilles’ injuries are always serious business, but they are especially bad for wide receivers since they hurt a receiver’s ability to explode off of the line of scrimmage. That’s a big part of any receiver’s game, but it’s even more important for Crabtree, who doesn’t make a living off of long speed.
Crabtree was activated by the 49ers on Tuesday, which was the last day possible for activating him. Thus, Crabtree has always been fully expected to play in this week’s rivalry game against the St. Louis Rams, and his return will greatly help both Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers offense. Crabtree emerged as one of the league’s best and most reliable receivers last year, and his route-running and 1,100-yard pedigree will be huge for Kaep, who has a terrific rapport with Crabtree.
According to CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, Michael Crabtree was a full participant in yesterday’s practice, which guarantees that he will play this week against the Rams. It also indicates that Crabtree is fully recovered, which slightly helps alleviate worries that Crabtree won’t look good out there on his debut. All eyes will be peeled on how he performs in his first day back, because Crabtree is a key part of a team with Super Bowl aspirations. A full practice on Wednesday from Crabtree is certainly excellent news, and it could mean that the 49ers won’t limit him in his first game back. That remains to be seen, though, since conventional wisdom states that the 49ers have been cautious with Crabtree’s injury all along, thus they will limit him on his return.