The San Francisco 49ers expect to get Michael Crabtree back from his Achilles injury in mid-to-late November.

The 49ers are eager to improve their receiving corps for Colin Kaepernick.

"We're settling into the new normal, and we don't really feel as comfortable with (Kap) running (the ball) without Alex Smith as his backup," said a source.

Crabtree become one of the NFL's best pass receivers late last season when paired with Kaepernick.