Michael Crabtree (Achilles') was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

49ers activated WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') from the reserve/PUP list. Crabtree is fully expected to make his 2013 debut on Sunday against the Rams. Although owners who stashed Crabtree are likely champing at the bit to start him, he's best left benched for at least Week 13. Crabtree is returning from an explosion-sapping injury, and will almost certainly be on a snap count against the Rams. If you can't wait-and-see, Crabtree will most likely produce as a WR4/5 as he gets his feet wet.

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms Michael Crabtree (Achilles') is expected to make his 2013 debut in Sunday's game against the Rams.

Speaking after Monday night's Week 12 win over the Redskins, coach Jim Harbaugh said he "anticipates" Michael Crabtree (Achilles') playing next Sunday against the Rams. Crabtree will be activated from the reserve/PUP list at some point on Tuesday. He tore his Achilles' on May 21 and has been practicing off an on the past couple weeks. This news is encouraging and all, but we can't expect Crabtree to just hop right in and be the guy he was last season. The 49ers will likely ease him in the rest of the regular season and hope for serious contributions in the playoffs. That's even a stretch. Crabtree may not be the same until 2014. He's worth a fantasy roster spot, but expectations need to be tempered.

The 49ers did not activate Michael Crabtree (Achilles') from the PUP list by Monday's 1PM PT deadline, meaning he will not play on Monday Night Football against the Redskins. Coach Jim Harbaugh didn't rule out Crabtree all last week, but this was expected. He was never set to play. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that Crabtree will almost certainly make his 2013 debut in Week 13. He'll be activated from the PUP list on Tuesday. Crabtree has been sidelined since May 21, when he tore his Achilles' tendon on a pass route in the 49ers' offseason program.

ESPN's Adam Schefter stated confidently on NFL Insiders Monday that Michael Crabtree (PUP, Achilles') will return no later than Week 13. "If he doesn't play tonight," said Schefter, referring to Monday night's 49ers-Redskins game, "he will play (next) Sunday." Crabtree will likely be eased in coming off his ruptured Achilles', but there is an outside chance he could be a WR3 asset for receiver-needy owners late in the fantasy playoffs. He's certainly worth a roster spot over low-ceiling bench fodder like Brian Hartline, Brandon LaFell, Kris Durham, and Nate Washington.

According to NFL Network, it would be a "mild surprise" if Michael Crabtree (PUP, Achilles) plays in Monday night's game at Washington. We'd be shocked. Crabtree will be activated off PUP before Tuesday's deadline, but the 49ers have recently backed off his participation levels as they try to ensure his return to the field goes smoothly. He's coming off one of the most serious injuries an athlete can sustain. Crabtree remains a mere stash for deep leaguers. Beat writers have previously speculated he will make his debut in Week 13.

Michael Crabtree (PUP, Achilles) participated in Thursday's practice. The 49ers don't have to provide an official tag for Crabtree since he remains on the PUP list, but he reportedly took part in team drills. The 49ers have until Tuesday to officially activate Crabtree, and are fully expected to do so. That doesn't necessarily mean he'll be active for Week 13, however.

According to CSN Bay Area, the 49ers "backed off" Michael Crabtree's (Achilles) participation a week ago. Crabtree is going to be activated to the 53-man roster before Tuesday's deadline, but that doesn't mean he's going to immediately start playing in games. The Niners want him to continue rehabbing in a controlled environment. Obviously, an NFL game is not exactly controlled. In an absolute best-case scenario, Crabtree will play limited snaps in Week 13 and then ramp up from there.

The Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows "guesses" that Michael Crabtree (PUP, Achilles') will make his season debut in Week 13. Barrows openly admits it's just a guess, but he projects Crabtree to play "a dozen or so snaps" on December 1 against St. Louis. Fantasy leaguers shouldn't be expecting Crabtree to be an asset during the fantasy playoffs, and he appears unlikely to play on Monday night against the Redskins. Crabtree is just barely worth stashing for receiver-needy owners down the stretch.