SANTA CLARA — Wide receiver Michael Crabtree worked on his lateral movement and agility during a workout on a field adjacent to where his teammates practiced Friday.

This marked the second straight day that Crabtree went through part of his rehab from a torn Achilles while the media was present.

Afterward, Crabtree said he didn’t want to speak about his progress. He did say that, “I’m just working, grinding extra hard.”

Crabtree sprinted and jumped off both feet while tossing a medicine ball Thursday. On Wednesday, Crabtree spent more time moving side to side, while catching short throws from a team athletic trainer.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this month that he doesn’t expect Crabtree back until mid-November, even though Crabtree is eligible to return at any time now that he spent the first six weeks of the season on the physically unable to perform list, as required by the league.

“We’re very excited,” Harbaugh said, when asked about Crabtree’s workouts. “We’re proud of what Michael’s doing.”

Harbaugh said the rehab process is “grueling” and something that shows Crabtree’s “mental toughness.”

The 49ers are without Crabtree and Mario Manningham, their top two wide receivers from last season.

However, it sounds as if both will be back before long. Harbaugh said, “It’s going to be soon” for Manningham’s return.

Manningham practiced at full strength Wednesday for the first time this season. He missed the latter part of last season and all of this season to date because of a knee injury that required surgery.

For more on the 49ers, see Cam Inman’s Hot Read blog at blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers.