SANTA CLARA -- Wide receiver Michael Crabtree will make his NFL exhibition season debut Friday night when the 49ers play host to the Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park.
Crabtree missed each exhibition game during his first three NFL camps. He was involved in a contract stalemate as a rookie. He missed every tuneup game in his second season with a neck injury. Last year, he underwent foot surgery that wiped out his exhibition season.RELATED: Michael Crabtree career stats2011 Game Logs
"The starting receivers will be Ted Ginn and Michael Crabtree," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Thursday. Ginn started three games last season, as he moved into the starting lineup due to injuries."Ted's had a great camp -- really pleased with Ted," Harbaugh said. "He's catching the ball, he's blocking, he's playing all the positions -- the X, the Z, the slot. He's doing it all. He's running good, getting in and out of his cuts."Veteran Randy Moss will also see action, Harbaugh said.Kyle Williams will also see plenty of time as a receiver. Williams makes his return to Candlestick Park after his two turnovers in the NFC championship game on punt returns were pivotal plays in the season-ending overtime loss to the New York Giants.Harbaugh was asked how he expects the home fans to react to Williams on Friday."To Kyle? He's a 49er. He's one of us," Harbaugh said.When asked if he'd return punts, Harbaugh answered, "Most definitely."
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