San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, ESPN reports. The surgery came one day after Crabtree sustained the injury during an organized team activity. Now, the receiver's season is in question.
"Michael Crabtree underwent surgery to repair his Achilles tendon that he tore yesterday," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters. "Surgery was successful and we do not anticipate it will be season-ending for Michael."
Harbaugh said the 25-year-old receiver suffered the injury during Tuesday's OTAs when he went in motion for a route and planted his foot. The team arranged for surgery the following day to maximize Crabtree's chance of returning this season.
There is hope Crabtree could play in six months. While an Achilles tear usually ends a season, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da'Quan Bowers both returned last season after sustaining the injury earlier in the year.
Recovering from a torn Achilles tendon is particularly difficult for receivers because of the accelerating and decelerating that the position demands, according to ESPN analyst Matthew Berry.
"It's a setback, but Michael's young, he's strong," Harbaugh said. "Everything will be a positive approach to healing and we'll antcipate great things."
San Francisco's receiving corps takes a tremendous blow with Crabtree's absence. Crabtree, the team's 10th overall pick in 2009, enjoyed a breakout season last year and became Colin Kaepernick's favorite target. He recorded 85 receptions for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns — all career highs.
Crabtree is optimistic that he will see the field soon:
