The 49ers expect Michael Crabtree (foot) to be ready to play late in the exhibition season, a source tells CSN Bay Area. Beat writer Matt Maiocco still expects Crabtree to be held out until Week 1, even if he is cleared to play in the fourth preseason game. Regardless, owners shouldn't chase talent in this case. Even though Crabtree is watching every practice with an orthopedic boot on his left foot, he's missing valuable on-field time in a new regime's offense. The Niners also signed Braylon Edwards and Crabtree's foot woes are bordering on chronic. He's just a flier at this point.