Michael Crabtree’s return to the 49ers line-up
Due to a phantom neck injury incurred during the pre-season, Michael Crabtree missed the entire training camp. Now the very talented and potentially undisciplined 23-year-old wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers says he’s back and ready to show the world what he’s got.
Michael has been in the San Francisco 49ers for only two seasons and he has yet to make a full pre-season appearance. Last season he had a minor stress fracture to his left foot that, along with contract disputes, kept him sidelined until the month of September, and this year once again the “boy who would be king” played hooky.
His absence doesn’t seem to worry coach Michael Singletary or their quarterback Alex Smith. The injury that came before the 49ers exhibition match against the Indianapolis Colts has kept Crabtree limited to individual work during the odd times when he did take part in practises. But because of his commendable work in last year’s off-season, the quarterback and the coach have faith in this kid’s ability to recover fast. With his natural timing, they may be right.
Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has expressed concern over Crabtree’s stamina. He is quoted as saying: “Even though a year ago he was not here, he was conditioning. This time, he was here but not getting any conditioning. There’s a different tempo from not playing and not practising to going into play. That would be my concern at this point. I think he’ll do OK with the terminology, the system in the game. It’s just how quickly we can get where he’s not maxed out and exhausted.”
Crabtree, on the other hand, thinks everyone is exaggerating the significance of his pre-season absenteeism. When pressed by reporters about the issue Crabtree reportedly said, “I’m not worried about nothing, I’m just worried about getting all my plays in practice, really going out there and playing. I’m getting really tired of talking about what’s going to happen. We just need to go out there and play.”
Last season Crabtree still accomplished 48 catches for 625 yards, a 13-yard per catch average, and two touchdowns after a 71-day contractual stalemate with management. This year he is expected to be the Niners' number one receiver. Let’s hope his words aren’t empty and this kid truly has the heart to take on the Seattle Seahawks on their home turf this Sunday.
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