Michael Crabtree Injury: San Francisco 49ers WR will indeed play this week
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) carries the ball in for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers No. 1 wide receiver Michael Crabtree was activated off of the PUP list on Tuesday, as the 49ers wisely decided not to bring him back for the Monday Night Football game against the Washington Redskins. The 49ers easily disposed of the Redskins 27-6, and the passing game had a nice bounce-back game, which was definitely needed and expected against an awful Redskins secondary. With his No. 1 wideout back in the fold, bigger and better things will be expected from Colin Kaepernick, who is looking to shake off his sophomore slump.
The 49ers brought along Crabtree as slowly as possible, because they know how tricky Achilles injuries can be, particularly for wide receivers. They will continue to bring him along cautiously by managing his snaps upon his return (he’s fully expected to be on a snap count this week), but it’s clear that Crabtree is just about at full strength.
Crabtree was able to practice fully in every day of practice this week, and his status for this week’s rivalry game against the St. Louis Rams looked like a lock once he practiced fully on Wednesday. 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh played coy despite that telling designation, but he isn’t playing coy now following Friday’s practice. CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reports that Harbaugh stated Crabtree will play this week. He’s a risky fantasy play in his first game back due to an expected snap count, so he’s probably only going to have a good fantasy day if he’s able to snag a touchdown.