Crabtree had been sidelined since May.
The San Francisco 49ers have received a welcome boost after it was announced that wide receiver Michael Crabtree has been cleared for practice, as reported by NFL.com.
The 26-year-old tore his Achilles in May, but provided that he doesn’t suffer any setbacks he will have a 21-day window for the team to either activate him or shelve him for the entire season.
However, there is optimism that he will be ready to return for the final five games of the regular season and a play-off run thereafter as San Francisco continue their impressive run of form.
The 49ers are currently at 6-2 for the season after winning five straight games, and they only trail rivals the Seattle Seahawks who sit atop the NFC West with an 8-1 record.
Crabtree has reportedly been progressing well in workouts and San Francisco are now hopeful that he will make a significant impact on his return to action.
The wide receiver was a Pro-Bowl selection in 2012, as he set career-high records in receptions (85), yards (1,105) and touchdowns (nine) following the emergence of Colin Kaepernick as the starting quarterback.
While CK7 has continued his development this season and is improving each week, it remains to be seen whether or not Crabtree can return as the same player he was prior to the injury.
Nevertheless, he will be a welcome addition to the roster along with Mario Manningham, who was activated on Monday for the first time since suffering a knee injury last December.
Coach Jim Harbaugh will be delighted with the options given that there has been little production at receiver beyond Anquan Boldin, although Crabtree’s return will arguably be the most beneficial.
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