Advertisement

49ers WR Crabtree back on practice field

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman and the San Francisco 49ers are lining up the gravy train, the meal ticket is back on the field.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree was on the field at the 49ers' practice facility catching passes Friday, increasing the likelihood that he makes good on his promise to return this season from a torn Achilles.

"If we can get him back this year, that'd be gravy," Roman said last month.

Crabtree and Mario Manningham, recovering from torn knee ligaments in January, returned to practice this week.

"I'm grinding extra hard," Crabtree said.

Crabtree led the 49ers with 85 receptions in 2012. He was named to the Pro Bowl. Manningham was second on the team with 42 receptions in his first season with the 49ers. He signed a three-year deal as a free agent after beginning his career with the New York Giants.