Michael Crabtree Tears Right Achilles Tendon

The San Francisco 49ers suddenly have a huge void in their receiving corps as they chase another Super Bowl berth: Michael Crabtree is sidelined after surgery on his right Achilles tendon.

San Francisco's leading wide receiver underwent surgery Wednesday, though the team is optimistic he will return at some point in 2013. Crabtree was operated on at Stanford by Dr. Tim McAdams one day after suffering the injury during 7-on-7 drills in an organized team activity.

The injury is considered a tough blow for the two-time defending NFC West champions after Crabtree's breakout 2012 season.

He was one of the big reasons the franchise returned to the Super Bowl for the first time in 18 years, clicking with quarterback Colin Kaepernick after his promotion to starter in November over departed 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick Alex Smith.

"Michael Crabtree underwent surgery to repair his Achilles tendon that he tore yesterday,'' coach Jim Harbaugh said. "Surgery was successful and we do not anticipate it will be season-ending for Michael. It was completely torn, and completely repaired.''

Harbaugh would not speculate when Crabtree might return to play.

Patrik Willis said when Crabtree went down during practice, he didn't immediately get back up and that is when he knew something was wrong.

The 25-year-old Crabtree, the team's 10th overall pick in the 2009 draft out of Texas Tech, had career highs last season with 85 receptions for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns for the NFC champion Niners, who lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl.

USA Today first reported that Crabtree was hurt during Tuesday's OTA, citing an unidentified source.

Harbaugh said Crabtree went in motion, planted to begin a route and ``felt like somebody kicked him in the Achilles, which sometimes people say that feels like.'' Having the operation right away was considered the best option so Crabtree has the chance to return this year _ unlike with running back Kendall Hunter last season, who had the same injury but the decision was made to wait some time before surgery.