San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree was not activated by the NFL's 4 p.m. ET deadline and will miss the team's Monday Night Football matchup against the Washington Redskins.
Michael Crabtree injury: 49ers WR inactive for Monday Night Football
The 49ers will be without receiver Michael Crabtree while he recovers.
USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Crabtree had offseason surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon sustained during OTAs and is expected to return sometime over the next few weeks. The organization need to make a decision on his long-term status Tuesday, when the receiver will need to be added to San Francisco’s active roster or be placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Niners Nation: Reaction to Michael Crabtree
The 49ers are in dire need of more help at the receiver position. Colin Kaepernick has struggled in 2013, but has lacked a host of reliable targets. Anquan Boldin has been a reliable offseason acquisition, while tight end Vernon Davis has been solid -- but the team's third-highest receiver is fullback Bruce Miller who has totaled 176 yards this season.
Crabtree’s return could potentially turn the team’s fortunes in the final games of the season, but the key day to watch is Tuesday when San Francisco is forced to free a roster spot for the receiver.
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