Dose: Crabtree's Unsure Future
Happy Holidays everyone. I hope this finds you and yours happy and healthy this Holiday Season. Now let’s get on to the news.
Impending free agent Michael Crabtree was less than effusive when asked if he wants to return to San Francisco. “It depends,” Crabtree said. “I do not want to talk about it.” Crabtree has grumbled this season about playing time and spent most of Week 16 on the bench with a “knee injury” he was miraculously able to play through after injuries decimated the 49ers’ receiving corps late in the fourth quarter.
With his days in San Francisco likely numbered, the focus turns to what kind of free agent market the former first-round pick will find. Crabtree has lacked explosion and burst since returning from an Achilles injury last season, and a foot injury Crabtree suffered early this season has compounded the problem. He is struggling to get open and he cannot do anything after the catch on the rare occasions he finds space.
Perhaps another offseason of rest will get Crabtree back close to his pre-injury form, but the harsh reality is the Crabtree of 2012 is likely gone for good. That certainly does not mean he is finished as a productive NFL wide receiver, especially if he lands in a better offensive situation, but Crabtree’s best opportunity may be a one-year, “prove-it” deal similar to the one Jeremy Maclin signed last February.
In Other News…..
DeMarco Murray (hand) practiced in full on Wednesday, but his role on Sunday is still unclear. The Cowboys still theoretically have a shot at a first-round bye, but they would need both Arizona and Seattle to lose or Green Bay and Detroit to tie. Those scenarios are highly unlikely, so the Cowboys truthfully have little to gain Week 17. Murray will play, but he is unlikely to see a full workload.
A.J. Green (arm) did not practice on Wednesday, but he told reporters his arm is feeling better and he can lift it higher than before. Coach Marvin Lewis would only say Green has a chance to play on Sunday night, but the NFL Network’s Albert Breer reported there was “optimism” inside Bengals’ camp Green will be able to suit up against the Steelers. With the NFC North crown on the line, it would be very surprising if Green did not give it a go even at less than 100 percent.
T.Y. Hilton (hamstring) practiced again on Wednesday. He will be active against the Titans, but it is unclear how long Hilton and the Colts’ starters will play. Indianapolis could certainly use a get-right game after scuffling through the last three weeks, but they also do not want to get anyone injured before the playoffs. Hilton will be a risky play, but he has a ton of upside even as a part-time player against the Titans’ secondary.
Peyton Manning made it clear what his future plans were on Wednesday. Asked if he was “determined” to return for an 18th season, the almost 39-year-old Manning said, “I certainly plan on being back if the Broncos will have me.” Assuming the Broncos do not want rid of the career leader in touchdown passes, this news solidifies the Dynasty value of the entire Broncos’ offense for at least one more season.
Coach Bruce Arians said there is an 85 percent chance Drew Stanton (knee) will return for the playoffs. It is a telling sign the Cardinals are so excited to get Stanton back under center, but with Ryan Lindley looking like a Pop Warner quarterback Week 16 and the not-ready-for-primetime Logan Thomas starting Week 17, the Cardinals are as desperate as it gets at quarterback. Arizona has already secured a playoff spot, but they will likely be one-and-done in the tournament.
49ers GM Trent Baalke said he wants impending free agent Frank Gore back with the team in 2015. That may be true, but the only way Gore is returning to the 49ers is on the team’s terms, which would likely include a cheap, short-term contract and the understanding that Carlos Hyde will have a bigger role in 2015. With the running back market as it is in the NFL, San Francisco’s offer may be the best one the almost 32-year-old Gore is going to get.
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News and Notes
Rashad Jennings (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday. Jennings is unlikely to play Week 17, but he would share time with Andre Williams if active. … Philip Rivers (back) practiced on Tuesday. He will play against Kansas City in the season finale. … Falcons signed RB Jerome Smith off their practice squad. It is a good indication Steven Jackson (quad, did not practice Wednesday) will sit out the NFC South Championship game against the Panthers. … Andy Dalton was sent home from practice Wednesday with the flu. He should be fine to face the Steelers on Sunday night. … Ronnie Hillman (foot) practiced in full on Wednesday and should be good to go for Week 17. He will play a complementary role to C.J. Anderson. … Jets RE Muhammad Wilkerson admitted he expected to already have a new contract. Already one of the best 3-4 defensive ends in the league at only 25, the Jets need to lock Wilkerson up to a long-term deal. … Victor Cruz (knee) has resumed running on a treadmill only two months removed from tearing his right patellar tendon. He could be ready for training camp. … Vikings signed RB Henry Josey off the Jaguars practice squad. … Browns placed Johnny Manziel on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, ending his season. … Ben Tate went unclaimed on waivers. … Falcons waived LB James Anderson.
Injury Quick Slants
Julio Jones (oblique), Roddy White (ankle), Ryan Mathews (ankle), Keenan Allen (collarbone), Carlos Hyde (ankle, back), Steven Jackson (quad), Dwayne Allen (knee), Pierre Thomas (ribs), Percy Harvin (ribs), Kyle Rudolph (ankle/knee), Dwayne Bowe (shoulder), Jermaine Kearse (hamstring) and Trent Williams (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday.
Aaron Rodgers (calf), Jamaal Charles (hamstring/ankle), Emmanuel Sanders (hip), Joique Bell (Achilles), Robert Griffin III (shoulder), Julian Edelman (concussion) and LeGarrette Blount (shoulder) were limited in practice on Wednesday.
