The San Francisco 49ers spent a good portion of last season without Michael Crabtree. As a result, Jim Harbaugh complained that quarterback Colin Kaepernick did not have targets on the field to throw to. The team made several moves in the offseason to acquire new deep-threats to pair with a healthy Crabtree and Anquan Boldin. However, when the receiver popped up on the injury report there was concern of history was repeating itself.
Crabtree has been battling a calf injury throughout training camp and had his name listed on the injury report leading up to the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. There were some questions about whether or not he would be able to play, leaving fantasy owners to panic. The wide receiver missed the start of last year with an Achilles tear and the passing game struggled as a result. The team needs Crabtree healthy and he insists he is good to go.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, Crabtree is not concerned about his calf at all and is ready to play against his home two team. Currently entering the final year of his contract this season is crucial for the wide receiver. Crabtree wants a nice pay raise and opted to table negotiations with San Francisco until after the season when the two sides could not agree on a number. Crabtree insists that he is not thinking about his contract status and is simply excited to play Sunday.
"I'm excited, man," Crabtree said, via the San Jose Mercury News. "I'm going back from selling popcorn and hot dogs in the stands at Cowboys games and being able to play them, that's a big change. Anybody's got to be excited for that. I can't wait to go back home. It's just big for the team, period. This whole season, we've got a lot on the table. Every game counts. One game at a time. I know a lot of people say it, but it's true. Right now, the first game is the Cowboys, so we're excited to play these guys and show what we've got."
Crabtree is a guaranteed fantasy star for the 49ers, but does the team have some sleeper picks that will creep up in the season. Many thought Stevie Johnson would be a solid option after the 49ers traded for him on draft day. However, he and Kaepernick have struggled with chemistry during the preseason which could make him a bust. Rookie Bruce Ellington could be the standout player for the 49ers. The team loves his size and intends to use him as a redzone target which could earn him plenty of points.