At one time, the standard to return from an Achilles injury was 9 to 12 months. But one doctor says medical advances have made recovery times shorter, so that 6 to 9 months is more possible.
Terrell Suggs, notes an article at the Sacramento Bee, was able to return to the field in less than six months. Will that be the case for Michael Crabtree?
Most likely, the answer is no. Suggs' tear was partial; Crabtree's was complete. "Every tear is a little different," notes one doctor. "I think everything would have to line up perfectly for him to be back this year."
The short answer, then, is that while medical advances have made the picture brighter, it's unwise to expect much from Michael Crabtree in 2013. Everything would have to go right for him to make much of a fantasy impact. People instead should be focusing on the team's other candidates to start across from Anquan Boldin: A.J. Jenkins, Quinton Patton, and one of the other players coming back from injury (Mario Manningham, Kyle Williams). Or tight end Vernon Davis.
The chances of it being Crabtree are pretty slim.
--Andy Richardson