Crabtree in sneakers shows progress

Aug. 14, 2011MAIOCCO ARCHIVE
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Matt MaioccoCSNBayArea.com
SANTA CLARA -- Receiver Michael Crabtree has kept a low profile since reporting for 49ers training camp on July 28 and immediately going on the physically-unable-to-perform list.Neither coach Jim Harbaugh nor Crabtree have discussed the left foot injury that has kept the 49ers' third-year wideout from practicing for the first three weeks of camp.
But there were encouraging signs Monday, as Crabtree was seen walking briskly from the locker room to the parking lot and back without an orthopedic boot on his left foot. It's the first time Crabtree has been spotted wearing two athletic shoes -- and no orthopedic boot this summer.Crabtree, who had surgery to repair a stress fracture on his left foot after the 2009 college season, experienced problems with his left foot on June 6 in a 49ers players-organized workout at San Jose State during the lockout. He did not take part in any of the other on-field practice sessions that quarterback Alex Smith organized during the lockout.CSNBayArea.com reported last week that the 49ers expect Crabtree to be cleared to practice within the next two weeks. He is not expected to play in any exhibition games, but the club anticipates he will be available for the regular-season opener, Sept. 11, against the Seattle Seahawks.RELATED: Edwards, Crabtree WR combo on hold
Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, whom the 49ers worked out early Monday morning for an audition to be the team's third quarterback, remained at the team offices until at least 1:30 p.m. The club has yet to make an announcement whether Culpepper has been signed.RELATED: How Culpepper would fit in with 49ers
Newly signed 49ers tight end Nate Lawrie was a teammate of Culpeppers last year with the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the UFL. Lawrie caught passes from Culpepper during the workout. He threw it well today, Lawrie said.