San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree made his season debut on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, making a successful return from a serious Achilles injury sustained in May. Crabtree suffered the injury in organized team activities and was activated back to the active roster on Tuesday.
Michael Crabtree makes successful return, has fantasy value going forward
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree returned on Sunday and played more than half of the team’s offensive snaps. We break down the fantasy implications.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Crabtree wasn’t expected to take on a full load or take over as the No. 1 receiver, and he didn’t. But he still played a healthy amount of time, seeing the field for 42 of 67 offensive snaps (63 percent), according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.
Crabtree caught two passes for 68 yards, the first of which was a 60-yard pass in which the majority of the yards came after the catch. He looked fast and though he claims he wasn’t 100 percent, he was definitely close enough. Smart money is on his snap count increasing each week.
Fantasy Impact: For now, Anquan Boldin is the top receiver in San Francisco, but Crabtree will soon be the No. 1 (though he won't pass him in the stat sheet with so little left to play this season). Crabtree is already productive on the field and barring setbacks, could assist fantasy owners in a late-season push. He's a must-start going forward provided he remains healthy.
