Michael Crabtree starts vs. Rams

— -- SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Michael Crabtree started in his 2013 debut Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.

Crabtree, who was out since May with a torn Achilles, caught two passes for 68 yards as the 49ers won 23-13.

The fact that Crabtree started was a bit of surprise. The 49ers had been coy about Crabtree's recovery throughout the injury process, and offensive coordinator Greg Roman said this week that the receiver likely would be eased in against the Rams.

But San Francisco announced Sunday that Crabtree would start over Mario Manningham.

Niners receiver Jon Baldwin was healthy but inactive, meaning San Francisco's fourth receiver was  Kassim Osgood, a special teamer.