Michael Crabtree Is the Oakland Raiders Wide Receiver AND Backup Quarterback?
Michael Crabtree is arguably the best Texas Tech football player of all time. He had two dynamic seasons as a Red Raider receiver. Crabtree won back to back Biletnikoff Awards and was part of the 2008 Texas Tech team -- one of the best teams from Lubbock ever. On Saturday, he might add something else to his resume.
Crabtree caught 231 balls for 3,127 yards in his two collegiate seasons with 41 touchdowns.
In his NFL career, Crabtree was drafted by the San Fransisco 49ers before moving to the Oakland Raiders in 2015. He's had a solid NFL career, having his best season in 2016 with emerging star Derek Carr as his quarterback.
The problem is, Derek Carr broke his leg in week 16. Then, backup quarterback Matt McGloin injured his shoulder in week 17.
Now, the Raiders are down to their third quarterback, rookie Connor Cook, heading into the playoffs this weekend. The Raiders are scrambling for an answer at backup for the emergency situation of needing one in the playoffs. Enter: Michael Crabtree.
Crabtree played quarterback, wide receiver and running back in his high school career, but hasn't attempted a pass since high school (and I can't confirm if he threw many passes in high school because I can't find a stat line anywhere). There is this, though:
Crabtree was a 3-star receiver coming out of high school, so I'm guessing when he played quarterback at Carter he was running the wildcat, which is what they would do if he came in this weekend.
Side note: Crabtree has thrown as many NFL passes as Connor Cook. Zero.