Sunday afternoon, 49ers beat writer Matt Barrows revealed that a source told him the foot injury slowing Michael Crabtree is a foot fracture he suffered June 6 during the 49ers players-only workouts led by Alex Smith. More importantly, Crabtree had surgery at some point before training camp, which is the reason he has missed all of camp. It was common knowledge he had a foot injury, but these are the most significant details revealed to date.
Michael Crabtree Foot Injury: Recovery From Surgery Going Well
During the conference call, Jim Harbaugh said it was possible Crabtree could be activated off the PUP list this week, although the possible was more like "as opposed to no chance at all" and not "it is likely to happen." Although Crabtree likely will not play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Chargers, all signs point to him being ready for week one.
What does that mean for fantasy football? The 49ers wide receiver corps received an infusion of talent when the team agreed to terms with free agent Braylon Edwards. He provides a big body opposite Crabtree that can help stretch out the field. Crabtree will likely be used for a lot of underneath routes and quick slants where the 49ers can get the ball in his hands and let him roll up the YAC. If healthy his after the catch ability could be a fantasy boon if you want to roll the dice a little later.
Crabtree is not yet a number one fantasy receiver and might not even be worth a second spot quite yet. However, he could provide excellent depth as your flex receiver or a bye-week fill-in while he gets his legs back under him. He’s a gamble right now, but his upside is tremendous.
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