Niners Nation - Michael Crabtree torn Achilles: All you need to know"We're the San Francisco 49ers, we can do whatever we want."https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47865/ninersnation_f.png2016-10-03T13:49:00-07:00http://www.ninersnation.com/rss/stream/41202592016-10-03T13:49:00-07:002016-10-03T13:49:00-07:00Bowman's real Achilles is mental injury
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Michael Crabtree ruptured his Achilles tendon in OTAs and reportedly underwent surgery. We examine the nature and extent of Crabtree's injury and recovery, including what the young wide receiver will go through from a mental standpoint.</p> <p><b><i>Fooch's note: socalisteph wrote this three years ago about Michael Crabtree. Every injury is different, but it is still applicable to NaVorro Bowman.</i></b></p>
<p>By now, you've probably heard the jolting news. <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/5/22/4356140/michael-crabtree-injury-torn-achilles-49ers" target="_blank">Michael Crabtree ruptured his Achilles tendon during organized team activities</a>. Before you let loose with every known expletive, let's examine the nature of Crabtree's injury.</p>
<p>The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. When a person flexes the calf muscles, the Achilles tendon pulls on the heel. This is what allows us to stand, walk, run or jump on our toes. The tear grades can range from a microscopic tear to the entire Achilles being pulled off the heel bone.</p>
<p>As of yet, we do not have the details of the nature and extent of Crabtree's injury. However, it has been reported that Crabtree has already undergone surgery and is expected to miss up to six months.</p>
<p>I have seen the comparison made with <span>Terrell Suggs</span>, linebacker for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>. I generally hate to compare these types of injuries, because every injury is unique and subjective in nature. Suggs's recovery was extraordinary. He completely shattered the medical recovery baseline (8-12 months) for an Achilles tear. Suggs's recovery shouldn't be considered typical by any means. This example is anecdotal. At the same time, Suggs does inspire confidence. He has shown that athletes are able to recover from what used to be career-ending injuries.</p>
<p>It is possible Crabtree can beat the odds like Suggs. I do not want to be pessimistic, but these surgeries are anything but straightforward. For Achilles injuries, surgery is almost always required for an active person. Still, surgery can create its own complications.</p>
<p>Surgery for a rupture usually indicates that some part of the tendon is torn in two. Surgeons use incredibly strong sutures and tie (or meticulously sew) the tendon ends back together. The Achilles tendon also runs along the calf muscle. If it is torn away from the muscle, the surgery is more invasive (it has to be reattached). And, if it is torn away from the heel, the surgeon is required to bolt the tendon back on the heel.</p>
<p>When I first heard about the injury, I wasn't optimistic. The media tends to trivialize these injuries as straightforward surgeries. But, it can be pretty complex. Yet, when it was reported Crabtree already underwent surgery, I was very encouraged. Why? Generally, a surgeon won't operate until the swelling subsides. If Crabtree has already had the surgery, it could indicate there was little to no swelling. A lack of swelling shows the repair was related to <strike>micro</strike> tears that need to be sutured back together; but, it would not appear to be separated from the other anatomy (calf or heel). To me, that is wonderful news. It is very encouraging from a medical standpoint and gives Crabtree a better shot at full recovery.</p>
<p>I do not want to sugarcoat this in any way. The fact is I am only able to read so much into what is released by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>. And, even if my intuition is correct, this will still be a very difficult road for Crabtree. Immediately following the surgery, his foot will be cast in a pointed position to allow the Achilles to repair itself. He will not be able to move or walk on it for months. Then, he will get a boot to restrict and immobilize his foot. If studies (x-rays, MRI or CT) show improvement, he will begin the rehabilitation and physical therapy to strengthen his muscles. He may deal with severe atrophy and experience weakness for months (even after he returns).</p>
<p>This is where we will see how strong Crabtree really is. Can he cope mentally? I know injuries are incredibly tough for professional athletes. They are not used to sedentary life. Hopefully, his strength coaches and trainers will find a way to keep Crabtree active with core and upper body exercises. They will have to be creative, because of his immobility.</p>
<p>Mentally, these injuries can debilitate an athlete. When <a target="_blank" href="http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/13/sports/la-sp-achilles-kobe-recovery-20130414">referencing the injury, Suggs himself said</a>, "It's definitely one of the hardest things I've had to endure in my life. But if you've got drive, you're not accepting what the world's telling you, you can do it. But it's definitely the hardest thing I've ever done."</p>
<p>So often, the media compartmentalizes these injuries as no big deal. Even with the advancement of medical technology and better prognosis, the mental aspect remains the same. And, even by Suggs own admission, he has never been the same. This is the reality.</p>
<p>Crabtree has the ability to recover. But, he may not. A large part is going to depend on his ability to tune out the mental demons these next few months. This is where Crabtree's over-the-top arrogance (witnessed in the past) will benefit him.</p>
<p>What does Crabtree have to say? He tweeted:</p>
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<p>I go hard for my friends family and fans, just felt like I let everybody down.. But I'll be back ready!! I promise! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23yungcrab">#yungcrab</a></p>
— <span>Michael Crabtree</span> (@KingCrab15) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingCrab15/status/337335518922686465">May 22, 2013</a>
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<p>It is interesting he stated he let everyone down. Already, Crabtree is feeling the adverse affects of injury. But, his next sentence says it all. His attitude gives me a lot of confidence in his recovery.</p>
<p>Niners Nation, send him your support. He is going to need it.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.ninersnation.com/videos/iframe?id=23899" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="23899-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/5/22/4357252/michael-crabtree-injury-achilles-tearSteph McCarroll2013-12-01T07:00:07-08:002013-12-01T07:00:07-08:00Guess what day it is?
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers are set to welcome back wide receiver Michael Crabtree today when they host the St. Louis Rams. We've been waiting all season for this, and the day appears to finally be here. From a physical standpoint, <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/28/5152186/can-michael-crabtree-return-to-pre-injury-form" target="_blank">the Achilles should be healed</a>. From a mental standpoint, Crabtree said that watching film of himself in practice gave him the confidence he needed.</p>
<p>And so now the wait appears to be over. I think socalisteph summed it up best:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>I feel like an excited puppy thinking about Michael Crabtree making his 2013 debut tomorrow.</p>
— So Cali Steph (@SoCaliSteph) <a href="https://twitter.com/SoCaliSteph/statuses/406974905469530112">December 1, 2013</a>
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<p>But fortunately, there were plenty of GIFs in the comments of Crabtree posts that also summed it up well. Feel free to drop in your own GIFs:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1944985/excited-baby.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1944985/excited-baby.gif" class="photo" alt="Excited-baby"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1944991/excited-child.gif"><img alt="Excited-child" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1944991/excited-child.gif"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945003/tumblr_lcrtz02G9u1qzj5ggo1_400.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945003/tumblr_lcrtz02G9u1qzj5ggo1_400.gif" class="photo" alt="Tumblr_lcrtz02g9u1qzj5ggo1_400"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945009/Baby-omg-reactions.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945009/Baby-omg-reactions.gif" class="photo" alt="Baby-omg-reactions"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945015/ClintEastwood.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945015/ClintEastwood.gif" class="photo" alt="Clinteastwood"></a></p>
<h4>How about some Michael Crabtree highlights?</h4>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945033/crab.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945033/crab.gif" class="photo" alt="Crab"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945021/crabtree-td2-1-12-13.gif"><img alt="Crabtree-td2-1-12-13" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945021/crabtree-td2-1-12-13.gif"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945027/crab1k.gif"><img alt="Crab1k" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1945027/crab1k.gif"></a></p>
<p>Oh, and of course:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1944997/crabbydance.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1944997/crabbydance.gif" class="photo" alt="Crabbydance"></a></p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/12/1/5162584/michael-crabtree-injury-return-49ers-vs-ramsDavid Fucillo2013-11-28T08:00:13-08:002013-11-28T08:00:13-08:00Can Michael Crabtree return to pre-injury form?
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<figcaption>Win McNamee</figcaption>
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<p>Michael Crabtree has been activated off the Reserve/PUP and the 49ers anticipate he makes his 2013 debut on Sunday. We look at the Achilles rehabilitation process and the likelihood our wideout returns to form.</p> <p>Following the activation of wideout <span>Michael Crabtree</span> off the Reserve/PUP, many hope to see Crabtree on Sunday when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>. Not only has Jim Harbaugh stated, "I anticipate that he's going to back this week," but <a href="http://www.49ers.com/" target="_blank">49ers.com</a> is reporting the 49ers anticipate Michael Crabtree will make his 2013 debut on Sunday.</p>
<p>Honestly, for those of us familiar with Jim Harbaugh, we take almost everything he says with a grain of salt. We would be remiss not to. We are overly versed in his vague and ambiguous answers. Still, Harbaugh did not dance around this question. Needless to say, the cynic in me wonders why Harbaugh was so straightforward.</p>
<p>It is an exciting possibility, considering Crabtree emerged into a premiere wide receiver before his injury. His third-down stats alone were among the top five in the league. And, this is an area where the 49ers can use some help.</p>
<p>In any event, when Crabtree returns to the active roster, there is no sugarcoating the fact he is coming back from a complete rupture of his Achilles tendon. It is not a straightforward injury. It is difficult to say how Crabtree will perform, because all injuries and experiences are unique. However, I am very optimistic about Crabtree.</p>
<p>Crabtree ruptured his Achilles tendon in OTAs in May and underwent surgery immediately. He has made steady progress with his rehabilitation, but overall -- he is in line with the original 6-month projection of return. Earlier this month, Crabtree gave an interview and stated he had begun working on his sprinting and speed work 2-3 weeks prior to that interview. It was a great sign, because it showed he is well past the most difficult physical hurdles of an Achilles injury. And, his progress is ahead of the usual medical baseline.</p>
<p>The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. When a person flexes the calf muscles, the Achilles tendon pulls on the heel. This is what allows us to stand, walk, run or jump on our toes.</p>
<p id="paragraph5">After surgical repair, the Achilles is extremely malleable. It has to stay immobilized to repair itself and cannot be stretched. Once it is stretched, it causes irreversible damage. So, for years, doctors encouraged the tendon to be completely immobilized. Unfortunately, due to complete immobilization, the medical community realized tendons would shorten and could not move as fluidly. For that reason, rehabilitation of the Achilles evolved. Rehab specialists have embraced a more balanced approach and we are seeing better results.</p>
<p>During rehabilitation, the tendon also needs proper weight-bearing. An athlete will start weight-bearing as soon as possible (but without stretching it). It is a tedious and sometimes painful process. Yet, after athletes pass the initial three- to four-month period, Achilles tendons recover beautifully. The Achilles becomes very strong again.</p>
<p>I want to note muscles surrounding the tendon have memory. That is, after the injury, when the body approaches the position it was in when the initial injury occurred, the muscle will automatically retract. It is instinctive. It is why we see athletes limp immediately after an injury and why after the injury is healed, you will see certain athletes protect or guard an injury.</p>
<p>Because of muscle or movement memory, the Achilles tendon will never feel the same. It feels completely different, even after the injury is completely healed. Still, if no elongation or retraction of the tendon occurred, there is no reason a person cannot return to his former abilities. It should be noted a wide receiver puts more physical demands on his Achilles, but it is very possible to get there. Even athletes, like David Beckham (who arguably use the Achilles even more), have fully recovered and returned to form following a ruptured Achilles. But, a large part of it is mind over matter, which makes the prognosis extremely subjective in nature.</p>
<p>Athletes with over-the-top confidence really excel with these types of injuries. I do not have a crystal ball, but I will venture to say Crabtree has the quintessential attitude. The obvious challenge is he has not played a football game since <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">the Super Bowl</a>. I expect the 49ers will work Crabtree in slowly to get him comfortable. Shortly after he gets comfortable and if he can find a good headspace, I expect great things from Crabtree.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/28/5152186/can-michael-crabtree-return-to-pre-injury-formSteph McCarroll2013-11-27T13:46:05-08:002013-11-27T13:46:05-08:00Crabtree status remains somewhat day-to-day
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>The 49ers are back at practice, but we still don't know what this all means for Michael Crabtree's availability this Sunday.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> activated wide receiver <span>Michael Crabtree</span> off the PUP list on Tuesday, and the question now is whether or not he'll be active on Sunday when the 49ers host the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a>. He is on the 53-man roster, but there has been some speculation about whether he is 100% for game speed at this point.</p>
<p>Jim Harbaugh met with the media on Wednesday, and he said Crabtree was ready to practice today. He was asked about Sunday, and while he said he was optimistic, he would not commit to any specific course of action. Crabtree had a tweet that summed it up:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>One day at a time..</p>
— Michael Crabtree (@KingCrab15) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingCrab15/statuses/405806479728717824">November 27, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<p>I suspect we'll hear plenty of speculation, and at least one national media member will report that Crabtree is going to play and is expected to get X amount of snaps. Any time a big name player is on the verge of returning, these reports occur. My guess is Pro Football Talk will throw something against the wall, but I have to think somebody will do it.</p>
<p>The 49ers will issue their first practice participation report later this afternoon. I don't expect to see Crabtree's name on it, but who really knows what the team is planning at this point. We won't know anything with any certainty until 90 minutes before Sunday's game. And even if Crabtree is active Sunday, we won't know what the game plan is for him.</p>
<p>Jeff Fisher spoke with 49ers media earlier today, and he said they were preparing as if he would play. However, he did not have any specific ideas as to how the 49ers would use Crabtree alongside Boldin. We are left to wait and wonder.</p>
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https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/27/5152924/michael-crabtree-watch-49ers-ramsDavid Fucillo2013-11-26T14:20:22-08:002013-11-26T14:20:22-08:0049ers activate Michael Crabtree
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<figcaption>Ronald Martinez</figcaption>
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<p>The 49ers have officially activated Michael Crabtree. It's on....</p> <p>The day we've been waiting for is here. Well, the first of a couple big days. The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> have activated <span>Michael Crabtree</span> off the PUP list, just over six months after he tore his Achilles tendon in the offseason workout program. The 49ers made room for Crabtree by waiving quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson. McBLT is eligible for the practice squad.</p>
<p>The next big day is this Sunday, about 90 minutes before the 49ers kick off against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a>. The 49ers will release their Week 13 inactives at that point and we'll find out if Crabtree will make his 2013 debut. There's been all sorts of speculation about whether he will play on Sunday or not. I'm sure the 49ers will keep it close to the vest through the week. The team has three practice participation reports to release this week, so we'll see if the team has him on there. He could still be a healthy scratch, but we'll wait and see.</p>
<p>The return of Crabtree adds to an already improving wide receiver corps. We saw the improvement on Monday as <span>Mario Manningham</span> gave them a legitimate third option to <span>Anquan Boldin</span> and Vernon Davis. Manningham is slowly getting his feet back under him. Adding Crabtree to the mix only adds to that. The 49ers do not need 2012 Crabtree right off the bat. I know they would not turn away 2012 Crabtree, but they are at a point where they can slowly work him back in.</p>
<p>The goal is to be peaking in January. Of course, the team has to actually get to January for that to matter. The team is already improving, and Crabtree's return should only boost that. Hopefully we're looking at a fun winter as the 49ers look to get completely back on track for a deep playoff run.</p>
<h4>Keep Reading:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/26/5149076/eric-wright-gets-some-great-pictures-on-the-49ers-flight-home">Eric Wright gets some great pictures on 49ers flight home</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/26/5148642/49ers-snap-count-vs-washington-nick-moody-returns-joe-looney-debuts" target="_blank">49ers snap count vs. Washington</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/26/5146994/jim-harbaugh-michael-crabtree-injury-return-49ers-vs-rams" target="_blank">Crabtree expected to be activated Tuesday, will he play Sunday?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/25/5146186/49ers-vs-redskins-recap-ahmad-brooks-anquan-boldin-mnf" target="_blank">Ahmad Brooks, Anquan Boldin solid in 49ers win</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/25/5140740/aldon-smith-contract-option-49ers" target="_blank">Aldon Smith option decision looming</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/26/5149316/michael-crabtree-activated-49ers-pup-listDavid Fucillo2013-11-26T08:00:44-08:002013-11-26T08:00:44-08:00Will Crabtree play on Sunday?
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
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<p>Michael Crabtree is set to be activated on Tuesday. Will he play Sunday? <strong>New to Niners Nation?</strong> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=67" target="new">Sign up here</a> and join the discussion!</p> <p>After the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> Monday Night Football win, head coach Jim Harbaugh met with the media and had a chance to discuss <span>Michael Crabtree's</span> impending return. I recommend <a href="http://www.49ers.com/video/videos/Jim-Harbaugh-Needed-It-And-Got-It/84233f5a-8c98-4c8f-847e-fbfe716e626a" target="_blank">checking out the video at the 3-minute mark</a> so you can judge his comments for yourself.</p>
<p>Harbaugh was talking about the players starting to chip in, and in mentioning guys like <span>Tony Jerod-Eddie</span>, <span>Demarcus Dobbs</span> and <span>LaMichael James</span>, he also said "Crabtree coming back next week." That was of course followed up by questions about Crabtree's status. Harbaugh said he anticipated having Crabtree back this week. That was followed by a question as to whether Crabtree would play against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>. Harbaugh responded with a little chuckle and said, "I anticipate that he's going to come back this week."</p>
<p>That was tweeted out by some in attendance as Crabtree will be back for the Rama game. The 49ers have to activate Crabtree today, but that does not guarantee anything against the Rams, other than being on the 53-man roster. I would hope Crabtree is ready to play, but I don't take Jim Harbaugh's comments as guaranteeing anything other than he will be activated today.</p>
<p>Given this parsing of Coach Harbaugh's words, it's hard to know what to expect from Crabtree this Sunday. The media does not get to see Crabtree doing his full work during the team portion of practice. They see the individual work and then are shuttled off the field, so it's hard to know exactly where Crabtree stands. I'm sure we'll hear plenty of information from team and league sources this week as to Crabtree's Sunday status, but unless Jim Harbaugh or Michael Crabtree (or Greg Roman) says something very specific about Sunday, I'm taking it with a grain of salt until inactives are announced on Sunday.</p>
<h4>Keep Reading:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/25/5146186/49ers-vs-redskins-recap-ahmad-brooks-anquan-boldin-mnf">Ahmad Brooks, Anquan Boldin solid in 49ers win</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/26/5146960/49ers-monday-night-football-wins-nfl-history">49ers claim most wins in MNF history</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/25/5140740/aldon-smith-contract-option-49ers">Aldon Smith option decision looming</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/24/5138490/tramaine-brock-contract-extension-49ers-salary-cap">Breaking down the Tramaine Brock contract extension</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/26/5146994/jim-harbaugh-michael-crabtree-injury-return-49ers-vs-ramsDavid Fucillo2013-11-25T13:13:57-08:002013-11-25T13:13:57-08:00Crabtree not activated for MNF
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The 49ers have not activated Michael Crabtree for Monday Night Football. We break down the implications for the coming week. <strong>New to Niners Nation?</strong> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=67" target="new">Sign up here</a> and join the discussion!</p> <p>Matt Maiocco has confirmed that <span>Michael Crabtree</span> will not be activated for tonight's Monday Night Football contest. <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/crabtree-will-not-play-monday-night" target="_blank">Per Maiocco</a> (mikeinsp <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/25/5143528/michael-crabtree-injury-status-fantasy-football-mike-iupati-tarell-brown-49ers-mnf" target="_blank">mentioned it in these comments</a> earlier today), the team had until 1 p.m. PT today to activate Crabtree off the PUP list for Monday Night Football. There is no word that a move was made, so it is safe to assume he is sitting.</p>
<p>This also means we can expect Crabtree to be activated tomorrow before 1 p.m. PT. The team has to release a player to fit Crabtree back on the roster, so this gives them one more day to make their decision. Crabtree is tore his Achilles on May 21, so we are just over six months into his recovery. This has been the timeline all along, so it is no surprise that he was not activated today.</p>
<p>Barring any surprises, Crabtree will be back on the roster tomorrow, and potentially available on Sunday. The team could still decide to keep him inactive when he gets back, but we'll have to wait and see. If they want him back for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> game, I think it makes some sense to get a game in against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>. The Rams are certainly no push-over at this point, but it's just as much about getting Crabtree reps with Kap beyond just the practice field.</p>
<h4>Keep Reading:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/25/5140740/aldon-smith-contract-option-49ers" target="_blank">Aldon Smith option decision looming</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/24/5138490/tramaine-brock-contract-extension-49ers-salary-cap" target="_blank">Breaking down the Tramaine Brock contract extension</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/24/5141152/walter-thurmond-suspended-four-games-for-substance-abuse-violation" target="_blank">Walter Thurmond suspended four games</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/23/5137134/a-question-to-ponder-why-is-the-22-package-not-as-effective-this-year" target="_blank">Why is the 22 personnel package not as effective this year?</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/22/5127834/fedex-field-grass-re-sod-49ers-vs-washington-mnf">Breaking down the re-sodding of FedEx Field</a></li>
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https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/25/5145188/michael-crabtree-injury-activation-monday-night-footballDavid Fucillo2013-11-25T08:15:21-08:002013-11-25T08:15:21-08:00Michael Crabtree is so-called "game-time decision"
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IwPkDB-B7ntYxWcK-kMPXLSJPpg=/0x0:875x583/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23924161/129383901.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dave Reginek</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We break down Michael Crabtree's injury status, as well as the rest of the 49ers injury report for Monday Night Football. <strong>New to Niners Nation?</strong> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=67" target="new">Sign up here</a> and join the discussion!</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> head into Monday Night Football tonight with a few question marks still to sort through. The most notable is the status of wide receiver <span>Michael Crabtree</span>.</p>
<p>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. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/404982679256309761">Ian Rapoport is reporting</a> the 49ers view Crabtree as a "game-time decision" for tonight.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>Given that we've had a full weekend between Friday and now, here is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/23/5137834/mike-iupati-tarell-brown-injury-status-49ers-monday-night-football">the team's otherwise final injury report</a> I discussed on Friday. <span>Mike Iupati</span> and <span>Tarell Brown</span> were ruled out for the game. <span>Adam Snyder</span> and <span>Tramaine Brock</span> will start in their place, with <span>Eric Wright</span> taking over nickel duties. <span>Ray McDonald</span> is probably the most questionable of the "questionable" players, with <span>Garrett Celek</span> right behind them. Given the frigid weather tonight, I'm guessing both sit out.</p>
<h4>49ers injury report</h4>
<p id="paragraph3"><b>Out</b>: WR <span>Quinton Patton</span> (foot), CB Tarell Brown (ribs), G Mike Iupati (knee)</p>
<p id="paragraph4"><b>Questionable</b>: TE Garrett Celek (hamstring), DT Ray McDonald (ankle), WR Mario Manningham (knee)</p>
<p id="paragraph5"><b>Probable</b>: DT Quinton Dial (ankle), RB Frank Gore (ankle), QB Colin Kaepernick (back), LB Dan Skuta (foot), DT Justin Smith (shoulder)</p>
<h4>Washington injury report</h4>
<p id="paragraph6"><b>Out</b>: TE Jordan Reed (concussion)</p>
<p id="paragraph7"><b>Questionable</b>: DE Stephen Bowen (knee), S <span>Jose Gumbs</span> (ankle), RB Darrel Young (hamstring)</p>
<p id="paragraph8"><b>Probable</b>: CB <span>E.J. Biggers</span> (knee), CB Josh Wilson (toe)</p>
<h4>Keep Reading:</h4>
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<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/24/5138490/tramaine-brock-contract-extension-49ers-salary-cap">Breaking down the Tramaine Brock contract extension</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/24/5141152/walter-thurmond-suspended-four-games-for-substance-abuse-violation">Walter Thurmond suspended four games</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/23/5137738/michael-crabtree-injury-monday-night-football-49ers-jim-harbaugh">Jim Harbaugh discusses Michael Crabtree's status</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/23/5137134/a-question-to-ponder-why-is-the-22-package-not-as-effective-this-year">Why is the 22 personnel package not as effective this year?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/22/5127834/fedex-field-grass-re-sod-49ers-vs-washington-mnf" target="_blank">Breaking down the re-sodding of FedEx Field</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2013/11/25/5143528/michael-crabtree-injury-status-fantasy-football-mike-iupati-tarell-brown-49ers-mnfDavid Fucillo