Michael Crabtree finally might play a preseason game for the San Francisco 49ers, but don't hold your breath.
Crabtree, currently on the physically unable to perform list with a foot injury, is expected to be ready for action late in the preseason, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area reported Tuesday, citing a team source.
However, it's more likely the 49ers will hold out the wide receiver until the Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Crabtree has been on the field with teammates for every practice, wearing a protective boot on his injured left foot.
Crabtree underwent surgery to correct a stress fracture in his left foot in 2009, and he's believed to have re-injured it June 6, the first day of player-run workouts. At the time, wide receiver Josh Morgan said Crabtree was sore because of new cleats he was wearing on the artificial surface at San Jose State.
Crabtree missed his rookie preseason because of a lengthy contract dispute. He again missed the preseason in 2010 after sustaining a neck injury during training camp.
The 49ers released their first official depth chart Monday. The active wide receivers were listed in the following order: Ted Ginn, Braylon Edwards, Kyle Williams, Kevin Jurovich, Chris Hogan, Josh Morgan, Lance Long, Ronald Johnson, Joe Hastings and Tyler Beiler.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
