HOUSTON (AP) -Michael Crabtree is starting for the San Francisco 49ers.

The 6-foot-1 Crabtree, the 10th overall pick in last year's draft, was on the field for the 49ers' first possession in Houston. Crabtree signed a six-year contract with the team Oct. 7 after a 71-day holdout.

Crabtree did not catch a pass in the 49ers' first three plays from scrimmage. San Francisco did not pick up a first down and punted.

Crabtree caught 97 passes for 1,165 yards and scored 19 touchdowns last year, his sophomore season at Texas Tech. He finished his college career with 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns.