Michael Crabtree Injury: Updates on 49ers Star's Week 3 Status and Fantasy Value

The San Francisco 49ers never really know what they're going to get out of wide receiver Michael Crabtree. They do know, however, that they're not going to get anything out of him as long as he is hurt.

Crabtree missed the entire preseason with a foot injury, and had to sit Week 2 after his foot flared up in Week 1. 

For all the latest on Crabtree's status for Week 3, as well as the fantasy implications that come with it, just check back here periodically for updates.

Sunday, Sept. 25 4:13 p.m. EST

Michael Crabtree finished the game with three receptions for 24 yards. He had a touchdown called back due to a penalty.

Sunday, Sept. 25 2:56 p.m. EST

Michael Crabtree had a touchdown called back after he was declared an ineligible receiver for stepping out of bounds. He currently has three receptions for 24 yards.

Sunday, Sept. 25 2:20 p.m. EST

Michael Crabtree finished the first half with two receptions for 16 yards on three targets.

Sunday, Sept. 25 1:57 p.m. EST

Michael Crabtree finally got involved in the game as he made an eight-yard reception on third-down towards the sidelines. He was targeted again on second down, but Alex Smith throw the ball into the ground due to heavy pressure from the Bengals' pass-rush.

Sunday, Sept. 25 1:53 p.m. EST

Michael Crabtree does not have a single target yet through 19 minutes of game-time action.

Sunday, Sept. 25 10:49 a.m. EST

The Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows predicts Crabtree will only play 12-15 snaps. Make sure he's not in your fantasy lineup.

Sunday, Sept. 25th at 9:58 a.m. EST

Fantasy owners must keep Michael Crabtree on the bench, despite his probable tag. It remains to be seen just how much playing time he receives, as his role will be limited heading into the game, according to CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.

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"Crabtree might not start the game, as Joshua Morgan and Ted Ginn have been full participants in practices. Crabtree could be worked into the mix as the third-down slot receiver. Then, depending on how he looks, Crabtree could see more and more action, along with Morgan, in two-receiver formations."

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Saturday, Sept. 24th at 11:14 a.m. ET

Michael Crabtree is listed as probable, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Crabtree's foot has been a nagging issue since he came onto the team and has already forced him to miss time this season. While he will likely start this game, don't be surprised to see his foot become an issue in the near future.

Friday, Sept. 23rd at 6:52 a.m. EST

Thursday, Sept. 22 at 6:05 p.m. EST

Things got better for Crabtree today as Cam Inman of the Bay Area News tweeted that he was a full participant in practice,

Barring a major setback, it looks like Crabtree will be suited up on Sunday.

Thursday, Sept. 22 at 8:30 a.m. EST

According to a tweet posted by Yahoo Fantasy Football, Michael Crabtree returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday afternoon.

As previously mentioned, Crabtree is expected to return, but it is clearly evident that he is still far from 100 percent.

The 49ers face a soft secondary this week though when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals, so he may be worth taking a flyer on, assuming he plays.

Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 5:25 p.m. EST

The bad news is that the 49ers have lost wide receiver Braylon Edwards for the foreseeable future, as he had to have surgery performed on his right knee.

The good news, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News, is that Crabtree is expected to be back for Sunday's contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.

That's about as hopeful as things get, though. Per a short column Inman posted, Crabtree didn't have much to say regarding how his foot is going to hold up in the weeks ahead.

"I can't go into the future," said Crabtree. "You guys ask me the same questions every time. Within three days, not too much will change."

Fantasy Value: I'm not so sure you should be starting Crabtree anyway, but my advice is to keep him on the bench regardless of his status for this week. Whether or not his foot is the problem, he needs to prove he can produce, which is no easy task in the Niners' offense.