Speaking Monday, coach Jim Harbaugh was noncommittal on Michael Crabtree's (PUP, Achilles') Week 12 availability. Harbaugh only called Crabtree "close," and wouldn't say whether he'll be back for Monday Night Football against the Redskins. In the event Crabtree did play, he'd probably be on a Harvinian snap count, playing no more than 20 downs. There's still an outside chance Crabtree will be an asset during the fantasy playoffs, but no guarantees coming off a typically explosion-sapping injury.

CSN Bay Area confirms Michael Crabtree (Achilles') "will not play" in Sunday's game against the Saints. Crabtree returned to practice on Friday after getting rest days on Wednesday and Thursday, so there's a chance he'll be ready for Week 12. The 49ers have until November 28 to activate their No. 1 receiver. His status will be updated no later than Wednesday.

Michael Crabtree (Achilles') won't play in Sunday's game against Saints. Crabtree was able to practice Friday after doing side work Wednesday and Thursday, but still hasn't been activated from the PUP list. Assuming he avoids setbacks, there's a chance he could return in Week 12. The 49ers have until November 28 to activate Crabtree to the active roster.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said "it doesn't look probable" that the 49ers will activate Michael Crabtree (Achilles') from the PUP list this week. "He had a week of running routes, of sprinting, pushing the sled, lifting, training and catching," Harbaugh said. "He wasn't part of the team workout, but controlled would be the best way to say it." Crabtree practiced with the team Friday after doing side work Wednesday and Thursday. The 49ers have until November 28 to activate Crabtree to the active roster or shut him down for the year. A return for Week 12 against the Redskins next Monday night seems possible.

Michael Crabtree (PUP, Achilles) participated in 49ers practice Friday. There was some fear Crabtree had suffered a setback when he didn't practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but he returned Friday and appears on track to return when healed. The 49ers have not yet activated Crabtree off of PUP.

Michael Crabtree (PUP, Achilles') hasn't practiced this week, but the 49ers insist he hasn't suffered a setback. "None that I know of," OC Greg Roman said when asked Thursday if his No. 1 receiver had hit a snag in his rehab. "He's progressing nicely." It's bizarre that Crabtree hasn't practiced this week after getting in some reps in Week 10, but this is an instance where we have no choice but to take the coaching staff at face value. Either way, it's pretty clear Crabtree won't be returning against the Saints.

Coach Jim Harbaugh wouldn't rule out the possibility of Michael Crabtree (PUP, Achilles') playing in Week 11 against the Saints. It's highly unlikely, but a reminder that Crabtree is beginning to get close. "We'll see," said Harbaugh. "I'm not going to make any predictions today on who that is, but we've been encouraged with his progress and there's other options as well." Crabtree still hasn't been activated from the PUP list. 14- and 16-team leaguers can scoop him up as a stash for the fantasy playoffs.

Michael Crabtree (PUP, Achilles') returned to 49ers practice on Wednesday, but didn't run routes at full speed and "was noticeably cautious" about leaping and landing for difficult catches. "It's a roller coaster being away from the game for so long. I'm just happy to be out there," Crabtree said afterwards. Crabtree still isn't technically on the 49ers' 53-man roster because he hasn't been activated. The 49ers are expected to activate him later this month. An exact return date won't be known until Crabtree is able to ramp up what he can do on the practice field.

CSN Bay Area says Michael Crabtree's return to game action will depend on how sharp he looks in practice. The Niners aren't going to strap a target date to Crabtree's back. Now that he's been cleared to resume practice, they'll take a look at how effective he is coming off a May full Achilles' tendon tear and play it by ear. Barring a setback, he'll appear in a game no later than Week 13. Stashers should note that Crabtree will face Richard Sherman/Brandon Browner in Week 14 and Darrelle Revis in Week 15.

Michael Crabtree (Achilles, PUP) has been cleared to resume practicing.