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By Dan Hanzus
Around the League Writer
Published: May 22, 2013 at 01:53 p.m.
Updated: May 22, 2013 at 02:44 p.m.
Michael Crabtree's 2013 season might be over before it began.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that the San Francisco 49ers wide
receiver suffered a torn Achilles tendon during organized team
activities on Tuesday, according to a person informed of the injury.
Crabtree soon will undergo surgery to repair the tendon. The surgery
could be season-ending, though it's possible Crabtree could return at
some point this season.
USA Today's Mike Garafolo was the first to report the news.
It's a brutal development for the 49ers, who watched Crabtree bloom
into a Pro Bowl-level receiver in his fourth season. Crabtree set
career highs in receptions (85), yards (1,105) and touchdowns (nine).
His production took off after Colin Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith as
the starting quarterback.
If there's a silver lining for the Niners, it's the progress that's
been made in the treatment of this type of injury. An Achilles tear
was once an instant season-ender, but that's changed in recent times.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
defensive end Da'Quan Bowers both tore the same tendon last spring and
rejoined their respective teams after stays on the physically unable
to perform list.
That said, neither player was close to 100 percent when they got back
on the field. It's wishful thinking to expect Crabtree will regain his
pre-injury explosiveness over the next eight months.
The Niners' acquisition of Anquan Boldin is especially huge now. With
Crabtree down and Mario Manningham and Kyle Williams recovering from
serious knee injuries, the 49ers don't have much depth at receiver.
This would be an ideal time for 2012 first-round pick A.J. Jenkins to
upgrade from spectator status.
Vernon Davis, meanwhile, might just have found some of those targets
that alluded him a year ago.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.