Crabtree Likely To See Action In Slot -- Thu Oct 8 8:30 pm --
Will See Most Of His Work Initially On Third Down | San Francisco 49ers OC Jimmy Raye didn't mince words today when asked about the challenge he and his offensive coaches face in getting newly signed Michael Crabtree up to speed and onto the field. "We have a 10- to 14-day window to try to do something that has taken us a group since March to accomplish," Raye said. "We're trying to do this with a young man who hadn't played the speed of the pro game and hadn't been here for any of that. So, it's a challenge, but one that we're up to."
Though his recovery from foot surgery didn't allow him to take part in any spring practices, Crabtree was studying the split-end position, which is currently occupied by Josh Morgan. Raye said Crabtree would continue to learn that position. However, his first snaps could come as the slot receiver in the third-down package. "I think it will be easier if he had a concentrated package," Raye said. "And right now, in my mind, that would be the third-down package." (Sacramento Bee)
FF Today's Take: This development isn't all that surprising, but next-to-nothing should be expected from the rookie this season. For starters, Raye's offense is run-heavy and TE-friendly. Second, Crabtree hasn't played actual football for nearly a year. He would need a rash of injuries to occur to Isaac Bruce, Morgan and others to be worth playing in a fantasy league and if that happens, the Niners' offense will be in a heap of trouble.
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