Michael Crabtree (foot) has ditched his orthopedic walking boot this week. Crabtree was seen walking "briskly" from the locker room to the parking lot while wearing athletic shoes. Crabtree still has not taken part in any on-field drills or exercises, but this an encouraging sign that he's on track to return to practice within two weeks.

The 49ers expect Michael Crabtree (foot) to be cleared to practice within the next two weeks. Even though Crabtree is not expected to play in any preseason games, it sounds like he could get two full weeks of practice in before Week 1. It's finally a positive development for the embattled receiver after he was slapped with a 4-6 week recovery timetable in late July. A chance to finally build some chemistry with Alex Smith would go a long way toward making Crabtree more than the mere late-round fantasy flier he is now.

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.

The Sacramento Bee reports Michael Crabtree could miss 4-6 weeks of training camp and preseason action with a foot injury that kept him out of player-organized workouts. In other words, Crabtree is going to miss his third straight preseason. The injury is to the same foot that Crabtree had surgically repaired prior to the 2009 draft, though it's not certain if it's an aggravation or a separate ailment. Either way, it's serious enough that the 49ers will pursue a veteran receiver to fill in opposite Josh Morgan. They reportedly in on Chad Ochocinco. The recovery timetable leaves Crabtree questionable for Week 1. He could've used the reps to work on his failed chemistry with Alex Smith. We don't trust the 49ers QB situation or Crabtree's foot.

Michael Crabtree's left foot problem is "not a serious issue," a source tells beat writer Matt Barrows. Barrows reported last month that Crabtree has been bothered by the foot he had surgically repaired in 2009. While both Crabtree and this source deny any problems, it's still something to monitor. We'll be watching the foot and Crabtree's chemistry with Alex Smith during training camp.

GM Trent Baalke insists the 49ers are "very comfortable and confident" in Michael Crabtree this season. Baalke doesn't put "much stock" in the Crabtree-Alex Smith feud that played out in the media earlier this offseason. He also suggested Crabtree's rookie success is more indicative of the kind of player he is than last year's struggles with the coaching staff in turmoil. Rotoworld's initial projects have Crabtree ranked as the No. 29 fantasy receiver.

49ers TE Vernon Davis revealed that Michael Crabree's latest foot injury occurred during players-only workouts in early June. Davis suggested the injury, to the same foot Crabtree had surgically repaired in 2009, is "far more" than typical soreness brought on by new cleats. Davis does, however, expect Crabtree to be ready for the start of training camp. Crabtree has been able to practice in a limited fashion, so we're not on red alert with his foot just yet.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Michael Crabtree insisted "everything is fine" on the heels of a Sacramento Bee report that Crabtree is experiencing problems with the foot he had surgically repaired in 2009. Crabtree spoke as he was entering a players-only team meeting. The foot problems have persisted for three weeks, which makes the Bee's report seem more credible than whatever Crabtree says. At least one 49er teammate has confirmed that Crabtree's issue is indeed with the same foot on which he had surgery.

Michael Crabtree has been "bothered" by the same foot that required surgery prior to the 2009 draft, according to the Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows.

49ers veteran LT Joe Staley referred to Michael Crabtree as a "great teammate." Crabtree has come under fire for sitting out player-organized workouts and reportedly being a "loner." He's also taken some shots at Alex Smith and failed to develop any kind of rapport with the quarterback. So it's a good sign that Staley is at least defending Crabtree in the media. The 2009 No. 10 overall pick appears to fit perfectly in the team's new West Coast offense.