Wide receiver Michael Crabtree will be activated from the physically unable perform list by the San Francisco 49ers, who must make a move to officially add him to the 53-man roster.
Crabtree was sidelined several months recovering from a torn Achilles. He was injured during a spring practice, and had surgery in May.
“Crabtree coming back next week. And hopefully get a few other guys back,” coach Jim Harbaugh said reviewing Monday’s victory over the Washington Redskins.
Harbaugh added “I would anticapte that” when asked if Crabtree would return for Week 13.
Last week, there were indications Crabtree could be on the roster but not on the field on game day for at least a week or two.
The 49ers pulled back Crabtree’s activity after his first week of practice, rather than risk a setback as he recovers from a torn Achilles.
Once he practiced on Nov. 5, he started the clock on the 21-day window that ends Tuesday, when the 49ers had to activate him from the physically unable to perform list or shut him down for the season.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick threw three touchdown passes Monday, but Crabtree was his top receiver in 2013. Crabtree caught 85 passes for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
The pace of his work at recent practices points to a slower process. The 49ers could just deactivate him on game days for a few weeks if necessary.
