Michael Crabtree Tears Achilles, Could Miss Entire Season

This just in: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree has torn his Achilles tendon and could miss the entire 2013 NFL season. The injury apparently took place during the 49ers' Tuesday OTA practice. SBNation's Niners Nation has the story from the 49ers' perspective and they're not taking it very well (nor should they). Barring some sort of freakish recovery, this injury means that Crabtree will miss the Packers' game in San Francisco in Week 1.

Crabtree had the best year of his career in 2012, catching 85 passes for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns (all of which are career highs). In week one, Crabtree caught a respectable seven passes for 76 yards as the 49ers defeated the Packers 30-22. He starred in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, however, torching Green Bay's secondary with nine catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns.

Especially down the stretch, Crabtree was a big part of Colin Kaepernick's arsenal late last season, and this is one of only a few major injuries that have hit the 49ers since Jim Harbaugh became coach two years ago. In order to replace Crabtree's production, San Francisco will need to rely on veteran Anquan Boldin, young unproven receivers A.J. Jenkins and Quinton Patton, and Mario Manningham, who missed the last month of the 2012 regular season with a torn knee ligament.

UPDATE: For what it's worth, here's the reaction from our good friend Fooch, who manages Niners Nation.