Michael Crabtree 'game-time decision', Mike Iupati, Tarell Brown out for 49ers on Monday Night Football

The San Francisco 49ers head into Monday Night Football tonight with a few question marks still to sort through. The most notable is the status of wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

The 49ers receiver remains on the PUP list working back from his Achilles tear. The team has until Tuesday (tomorrow) to activate Crabtree or place him on season-ending injured reserve. There has been a lot of speculation as to whether he might come back for tonight's Monday Night Football contest. Ian Rapoport is reporting the 49ers view Crabtree as a "game-time decision" for tonight.

While we don't know for certain whether or not the 49ers are activating Crabtree tonight or tomorrow, I can all but guarantee you the team is not making the decision at game time. This is not like a hamstring or groin injury where you want to see how he performs in pre-game warm-ups. At this point, they know whether or not they want to play him tonight. The information being leaked out is simply about gamesmanship and keeping Washington guessing as to his status.

My own best guess is that he does not play. I've mentioned before that I think the field conditions play into that, but even beyond that, I just have a hunch the team waits until next Sunday. I don't think they're worried about firing up the fans, but imagine the response if his first game back is at home? For now,

Given that we've had a full weekend between Friday and now, here is the team's otherwise final injury report I discussed on Friday. Mike Iupati and Tarell Brown were ruled out for the game. Adam Snyder and Tramaine Brock will start in their place, with Eric Wright taking over nickel duties. Ray McDonald is probably the most questionable of the "questionable" players, with Garrett Celek right behind them. Given the frigid weather tonight, I'm guessing both sit out.

49ers injury report

Out: WR Quinton Patton (foot), CB Tarell Brown (ribs), G Mike Iupati (knee)

Questionable: TE Garrett Celek (hamstring), DT Ray McDonald (ankle), WR Mario Manningham (knee)

Probable: DT Quinton Dial (ankle), RB Frank Gore (ankle), QB Colin Kaepernick (back), LB Dan Skuta (foot), DT Justin Smith (shoulder)

Washington injury report

Out: TE Jordan Reed (concussion)

Questionable: DE Stephen Bowen (knee), S Jose Gumbs (ankle), RB Darrel Young (hamstring)

Probable: CB E.J. Biggers (knee), CB Josh Wilson (toe)

Keep Reading:

• Breaking down the Tramaine Brock contract extension
• Walter Thurmond suspended four games
• Jim Harbaugh discusses Michael Crabtree's status
• Why is the 22 personnel package not as effective this year?
• Breaking down the re-sodding of FedEx Field