Jim Harbaugh: 'San Francisco 49ers will let receivers compete'

Jim Harbaugh has revealed that the San Francisco 49ers will let some of their less experienced players compete to replace Michael Crabtree.

The NFC West side will allow 2012 first-round draft pick A.J. Jenkins, rookie Quinton Patton and practice squad member Ricardo Lockette battle for the vacant spot within the team.

The head coach told KGMZ-FM: "We'll put Jenkins, Patton, Ricardo Lockette at the same position and let them compete and emerge.

"The good news is somebody will emerge because they have to. I very much anticipate that will happen."

The Super Bowl runners-up will be without their leading wideout from the 2012 season for the start of the upcoming campaign after he sustained an Achilles tear in practice last week.