Michael Crabtree (foot) graduated to a full practice Thursday. Crabtree now expects to play against the Seahawks Sunday, sporting a special molded cleat to protect his twice-repaired foot. Asked about playing without training camp, Crabtree responded, "I've been here before. It's nothing new." While it's great news that Crabtree has avoided setbacks the past two weeks, we'd advise waiting at least a week before using him in fantasy lineups.

Michael Crabtree (foot) practiced in full pads on Wednesday. He was able to run routes at "close" to full speed during warmups, and is trending toward being active on Sunday against Seattle. It's quite possible Crabtree will emerge as the best fantasy option out of San Francisco's receiver corps this season, but he will almost certainly get off to a slow start after missing the entire preseason for a third consecutive year.

Coach Jim Harbaugh considers Michael Crabtree (foot) questionable for Week 1. Crabtree returned to practice last week but it's unclear if he's back to full speed. "We'll see after a week of practice," said Harbaugh. Even if Crabtree does end up active against the Seahawks on Sunday, we wouldn't consider him a fantasy option. Alex Smith has looked as tentative as ever in the preseason and Crabtree missed the entire training camp.

Michael Crabtree (foot) only went "half speed" in his return to practice Tuesday. According to beat writer Matt Barrows, Crabtree is "clearly not fully recovered from the broken foot he suffered in June and is still in rehabilitation mode." Crabtree won't play in the preseason finale. Barrows and the San Francisco Chronicle's Eric Banch are also skeptical that Crabtree will be available for the season opener.

Michael Crabtree (foot) participated in on-field activities Monday for the first time in training camp. Crabtree didn't fully practice -- he remains on the active/PUP -- but it was a step in the right direction. Observers spotted Crabtree catching passes in a red sweatshirt and baseball cap, with coach Jim Harbaugh on the throwing end of many of them. Crabtree's status for Week 1 remains questionable.

The Sacramento Bee reports Michael Crabtree underwent surgery on his foot just prior to training camp.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said it's "possible" Michael Crabtree (foot) will practice this week. "We'll see," a taciturn Harbaugh added. Braylon Edwards has taken over as the Niners' No. 1 receiver in Crabtree's absence. It remains to be seen how the snaps will be broken down once Crabtree does return, but we expect a slow start regardless. Crabtree is more of a WR4 candidate this year.

Coach Jim Harbaugh refused to acknowledge that Michael Crabtree (foot) is an "assumed starter." Harbaugh has yet to see Crabtree on the field, so he doesn't know if he's a superior option to Braylon Edwards or Josh Morgan. Harbaugh does expect "major contributions" from Crabtree, who has been "outstanding with his participation in the meetings" and knows the new offense.

Michael Crabtree (foot) is not expected to resume practicing for "a couple of more weeks." Crabtree has shed his walking boot, but is not yet running and seems unlikely to make it back for the preseason finale. With the 49ers' passing offense showing miserably so far in August, we have no reason to believe Crabtree will be an early-season fantasy asset. He's only worth consideration as a WR5.

Michael Crabtree told reporters Monday that he's "encouraged" with the healing process on his left foot. Crabtree was "all smiles," and observers noticed him moving around "well." Now out of his orthopedic walking boot, Crabtree is back on the fantasy radar as a late-round flier. We just don't have high hopes for the 49ers' passing game.