SANTA CLARA – Michael Crabtree made himself available to talk today at his locker, and this is what he said.
Q: What adjustments do you guys makes with Braylon out?
CRABTREE: It’s the same. Each guy out here right now has got pretty much the same type of talent. We’ve got fast guys, strong guys. Everybody can block. I’m sorry that he’s hurt, but we can all get the job done.
Q: Do you expect to see Nate Clements in the slot?
CRABTREE: From the past, in practice he always guarded me in the slot, but going forward I really haven’t seen much of him in the slot. More just playing that one side at cornerback. I’m looking forward to see what they bring to us.
Q: Do you have to approach the turf in Cincinnati different than you would a grass surface?
CRABTREE: No. Why would you say that?
Q: Because your injury happened on artificial turf.
CRABTREE: No. Artificial turf, grass, same thing. It’s a football field. Go out there and just try that little injury behind me and just really go focus on football.
Q: Did expect to get the soreness that you did after the first game?
CRABTREE: Sure, it was expected. The doctor was telling me it was going to happen. But, I’m just trying to be strong and really just go out there and play ball and not worry about this foot. Really focus on the plays and making plays.
Q: How do you deal with the frustration of being on the sideline and not suiting up?
CRABTREE: I really just try to encourage my teammates and really be a coach and be an eye for the receivers. If I see something I’m sure I’m going to tell them as soon as possible. Change this, change that, really just stay in their head. Really just try to be positive about the situation and try to make the team better.
Q: Do you think there’s something you can gain from that, even though you’re not out there on the field?
CRABTREE: You gain something from each game watching film. Even if I’m not on the tape I’m paying attention. There’s something I can get from each player. Even if it’s on the opposite side of the ball, I’m watching their receivers and cornerbacks. It’s just the love for the game.
Q: What do you like best about going on the road?
CRABTREE: Playing on Sunday. Playing against the opposite fans. It’s all good. Football.
Q: Did you push the coaches to play last week or did you have a pretty good idea that you couldn’t go?
CRABTREE: I was just really going day-to-day and Coach said he didn’t want me out there. Really just trying to be obedient and do what I’m supposed to do.
Q: With Braylon out, how much do you have to go out there and give this receiving corps a lift?
CRABTREE: You said with Braylon out?
Q: Yes.
CRABTREE: I’ve been playing with this same receiving corps for, what, two years? I’m sure we’ll all gel together and do what we’re supposed to do and get the job done.
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