Michael Crabtree to start vs. Rams

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

Crabtree, who has been out since May with a torn Achilles, was activated to the 53-man roster Tuesday.

The fact that Crabtree is starting is 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 is healthy but inactive, meaning San Francisco's fourth receiver will be Kassim Osgood, a special teamer. San Francisco defensive tackle Ray McDonald is active after missing the past two game with an ankle injury.