National Football League

Report: Crabtree likely to start for 49ers

Published Oct. 20, 2009 3:53 p.m. ET

foxsports

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to insert rookie receiver Michael Crabtree into the starting lineup for his NFL debut Sunday against the Houston Texans according to a published report.

Wideout Josh Morgan, who started the first five games, told The Press Democrat in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday that he was informed Crabtree and Isaac Bruce will start.

San Francisco coach Mike Singletary confirmed there was a strong possibility Crabtree would start in his first appearance following a lengthy holdout. Singletary said he and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye have talked about that option.

Morgan, second on the club with 13 catches for 202 yards, spent much of the bye week at the team's practice facility helping Crabtree get up to speed after finally signing a six-year contract Oct. 7.

"I'm helping him learn my position and take my position," Morgan told the newspaper. "It is what it is. If he can help us win, I'm all right with that."

Morgan would be a candidate to add responsibilities on kickoff and punt returns in addition to being the No. 3 receiver.