The latest Michael Crabtree (Achilles, PUP) can begin practicing with the 49ers is Nov. 19.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said Michael Crabtree (Achilles, PUP) returning in a few weeks is "doable." "I'm not going to make any proclamations, but he's right on track," Harbaugh said. Crabtree has been targeting a return sometime around Week 12 all along, at which point he'll be eased back into the mix. The Niners' goal will be to get him clicking at 100 percent for the playoffs, not Weeks 14-16 when fantasy owners need him. There's only a little stash appeal in re-draft formats.

Michael Crabtree (Achilles, PUP) is tentatively expected back in a month or so. Crabtree has been targeting sometime around Week 12 for his return all along. In order to meet that goal, he'll have to get back in practice and start working his way back into game shape soon. Owners using a bench spot on Crabtree should realize that he might not be fully healthy and playing all the snaps until Week 14 or later. An Achilles' tendon tear is a brutal injuries to come back from.

According to CSN Bay Area, the 49ers "feel good" about finishing the season with Michael Crabtree (Achilles), Anquan Boldin, and Mario Manningham (knee) as their top three wide receivers. In other words, if the 49ers have interest in Josh Gordon, they're not showing their cards yet. The NFL trade deadline is October 29. Manningham is returning from a multiple-knee ligament tear, while Crabtree is coming off a ruptured Achilles' tendon. Neither is a safe bet to be 100 percent upon return. The Niners believe Crabtree will be "game-ready" by mid to late November.

According to 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, Michael Crabtree (Achilles, PUP) is on track to be "game ready" by mid-to-late November.

Speaking Tuesday, 49ers OC Greg Roman said there remains no timetable for Michael Crabtree's (Achilles, PUP) return. "I don't think there's any specific day or date," Roman said. "If we can get him back this year, that'd be gravy." The earliest Crabtree could return is Week 11, but there's yet to be evidence that's a realistic possibility. The odds Crabtree helps fantasy owners this season are exceedingly slim. There's little point in stashing him outside of Dynasty leagues.

49ers placed WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles') on reserve/PUP. It's a mere procedural move. Crabtree is out until at least Week 11 after blowing out his heel in May. We won't have a real read on his ability to return and contribute over the season's final month until October.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said Sunday the 49ers are "encouraged" by Michael Crabtree's Achilles' recovery, and indicated he remains on track for a late-season return. "He's hit every single goal as far as his timeline," Harbaugh said. "That's been real exciting and encouraging." Crabtree will open the season on reserve/PUP. Although he may return by Week 12 or so, the Niners are expected to "ease the receiver back into action as cautiously as possible," per beat writer Matthew Barrows. We don't expect any real fantasy impact from Crabtree in 2013.

49ers placed WR Michael Crabtree (Achilles' tear) on the active/PUP list. It's a relevant move because active/PUP means Crabtree will open the 2013 season on the reserve/PUP list, costing him the first six games. He's not going to be the Niners' injured reserve/designated for return player. Doctors have reportedly told coach Jim Harbaugh that Crabtree's recovery is going "great," and the 49ers still expect him to play late this season. In all likelihood, Crabtree won't be back in action until Week 11 or 12 at soonest. And he probably won't be his old self before 2014. Crabtree isn't worth a fantasy draft pick.

CSN Bay Area expects Michael Crabtree (Achilles' surgery) to begin the year on injured reserve/designated for return. The PUP list is another possibility, but injured reserve/designated for return makes more sense because Crabtree is expected to miss in the neighborhood of 10-12 games. It's highly unlikely the 49ers lose another player as important as Crabtree between now and Week 1, making him the obvious candidate for the team's lone "return" tag. Unless your redraft league is exceptionally deep, there's little reason to use a late-round flier on Crabtree.