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The 49ers training camp is officially underway with rookies and quarterbacks in attendance, but more importantly, Jim Harbaugh made his first appearance before the media. We should have a full transcript later, but for now, I figured I would pull out some of the pertinent content from tweets.
The most important news concerns Michael Crabtree. It's not exactly shocking news, but it's the most news-worthy part of the press conference. Based on tweets from Cam Inman and Matt Maiocco, the 49ers are going to place Michael Crabtree on Active/PUP for training camp.
Earlier today, socalisteph put together a rundown of the PUP and IR options available for Michael Crabtree. The 49ers decision to place Crabtree on Active/PUP does not guarantee he will start the regular season on the PUP list. The 49ers could decide on August 31 to keep Crabtree on the 53-man roster, and then place him on Injured Reserve with Return Designation (IRRD) when they are first allowed to on September 3.
However, in the discussion about the two options, reedkrase brought up a good point I had not considered. If the 49ers want to place Crabtree on IRRD, they would have to keep him on the 53-man roster following roster cuts on August 31. They would then be able to place him on IRRD on September 3, at which point they get back their 53rd roster spot. The problem with that is, the 49ers have as deep a roster as most any team in the NFL. The guy they want as player No. 53 could very well get claimed off waivers at the end of roster cuts. Are the 49ers willing to risk that, even if they think they might have to stash Crabtree as an inactive for a few weeks later in the season?
It's just one more thing for them to consider. Harbaugh indicated that rehab is going well and the doctors have said Crabtree is doing great right now. A month from now, we'll know a lot more about his status. I'd imagine the 49ers will give him a thorough once-over before they make that final decision.