National Football League

49ers' Crabtree starting vs. Falcons

Published Jan. 20, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree is starting in the NFC championship game against the Atlanta Falcons after he was interviewed in connection with an alleged sexual assault.

The alleged assault occurred in a San Francisco hotel room last Sunday.

Atlanta defensive end John Abraham is starting Sunday after he was limited through the practice week with a sore left ankle. Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, who was questionable with a shoulder injury, also is starting.

Cornerback Christopher Owens (hamstring) is active for the first time since Dec. 22. Strong safety William Moore (right hand) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (foot) are starting.

Among the 49ers' inactive players are linebacker Cam Johnson and safety Trenton Robinson. Running back Frank Gore (knee) and linebackers Patrick Willis (shoulder) and Aldon Smith (shoulder) are starting.