Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Michael Crabtree Tears Achilles, Has Surgery

The San Francisco 49ers were dealt a major blow on Wednesday when their top receiver, Michael Crabtree, tore his achilles tendon during OTAs (optional team activities) and required surgery.  The surgery has already been performed and Crabtree is expected to miss a minimum of 6 months.  This means that in a best case scenario, Crabtree would return to the field in late November in approximately Week 12 or 13 of the NFL season.  In a worst case scenario, Crabtree could be lost for the entire year.  It will all depend how well he progresses in his recovery.

Crabtree caught 85 passes for 1105 yards for the 49ers last season.  He was the best wideout on the team, and no other San Francisco receiver was close, as he more than doubled the production of the next highest wideout.  He also contributed 9 touchdowns in the regular season and 3 in the playoffs as San Francisco advanced to the Superbowl.  Crabtree’s production was good all year, but it increased when Colin Kaepernick became the 49ers starting Quarterback as the two developed instant chemistry.

The 49ers had hoped that newly acquired WR Anquan Boldin would team with Crabtree to provide a one-two punch for Kaepernick at Wide Reciever, however it now appears that Boldin will be asked to step up and assume the role of primary wideout.  Mario Manningham will also be asked to play a more significant role, as will Tight End Vernon Davis, in picking up the slack in the passing game. The 49ers will also look to first round pick A.J. Jenkins to provide some of the missing production.

Given the timing of the injury, it may be difficult for the 49ers to find a replacement for Crabtree before the start of the season. It will be interesting to see if this injury prompts the team to contact former 49ers wide receivers Terrell Owens, Brandon Lloyd, and/or Randy Moss who are all free agents and looking for work.

49er fans can remember that at approximately this time last year, Ravens’ linebaker Terrell Suggs suffered a similar injury and he was able to return and help Baltimore to a Superbowl victory over the 49ers.  San Fran fans can only hope that Crabtree’s recovery produces similar results for him and the team.

You can follow @RoryHarbaughNFL on twitter for all your NFL needs, and the follow the site @lastwordonsport while you are at it

Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.

Football fans…check out Thursday Night Tailgate Radio as hosts Chris Mascaro and Angelo Kane chat with current and former NFL and College players.  NFL stars open up on TNT because they’re regular guys, without network influence.  Access the show in the sidebar on our home page  or by visiting their website at ThursdayNightTailgate.com.  Learn more about the show including their upcoming schedule at their page at LWOS.

photo credit: Monica’s Dad via photopin cc

photo credit: Football Schedule via photopin cc

Share:

More Posts

Send Us A Message