Michael Crabtree suffers torn Achilles
USA Today reports Michael Crabtree suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in Tuesday's OTAs session.
It's a crushing blow for the 49ers, though they're holding out hope Crabtree can return at some point in 2013. Terrell Suggs and Da'Quan Bowers were both able to get on the field last season after suffering torn Achilles' in the spring, but neither ever seemed to make it all the way back to 100 percent. It will be an even tougher challenge for Crabtree, as receivers must constantly stop/start and change directions. It elevates Anquan Boldin to No. 1 receiver status, and places increased pressure on 2012 first-rounder A.J. Jenkins coming off his lost rookie season. Fourth-round pick Quinton Patton will now be no worse than the Niners' No. 3 receiver until Mario Manningham returns from his torn ACL. Even if it becomes clear Crabtree will play at some point this season, he shouldn't be considered more than a late-round flier in fantasy leagues. The news tilts Frank Gore's arrow slightly up, and Colin Kaepernick's slightly down.
It's a crushing blow for the 49ers, though they're holding out hope Crabtree can return at some point in 2013. Terrell Suggs and Da'Quan Bowers were both able to get on the field last season after suffering torn Achilles' in the spring, but neither ever seemed to make it all the way back to 100 percent. It will be an even tougher challenge for Crabtree, as receivers must constantly stop/start and change directions. It elevates Anquan Boldin to No. 1 receiver status, and places increased pressure on 2012 first-rounder A.J. Jenkins coming off his lost rookie season. Fourth-round pick Quinton Patton will now be no worse than the Niners' No. 3 receiver until Mario Manningham returns from his torn ACL. Even if it becomes clear Crabtree will play at some point this season, he shouldn't be considered more than a late-round flier in fantasy leagues. The news tilts Frank Gore's arrow slightly up, and Colin Kaepernick's slightly down.
