Is Michael Crabtree unhappy with his role in the offense?

Interestingly, when posed that question neither Jim Harbaugh nor quarterback Colin Kaepernick offered this response: “No.”

Harbaugh said this: “I don’t think so. He seems to be doing a fantastic job. Getting the ball a lot.”

And Kaepernick said: “You’d have to ask him.”

When it was pointed out the 49ers wide receiver gave off a strong I’m-unhappy vibe after he made a game-saving, 51-yard catch in a 27-24 overtime win at New Orleans on Sunday, Kaepernick offered a few more words.

“He’s out here doing everything he can to help this team,” he said. “That’s the vibe I get.”

As noted here, Crabtree termed himself a “third-down receiver” and “the third option” Sunday when asked about his 51-yard grab.

Why would he grouse about his role in response to a question about a big play? Harbaugh said he dismisses locker-room talk from players who are emotional after games.

“The heat of the moment, 10 minutes after the game,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t go by that.”

Of course, players typically offer such quotes after tough losses, not critical wins.

******************************************************

Inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman had an MRI on his left knee Wednesday, but he won’t necessarily make his practice debut Thursday if he received a positive medical report.

“No,” Jim Harbaugh said. “Want to see where that’s at first.”

Bowman has spent the season on the physically unable to perform list rehabbing his knee after he tore the ACL and MCL in the NFC Championship Game in January. Once Bowman returns to practice, the 49ers have a three-week window during which they can activate him to the 53-man roster.

Bowman said Sunday he is still experiencing pain in his knee and doesn’t know when he’ll return to practice, ESPN reported. Harbaugh was asked if Bowman is still experiencing discomfort.

“I saw that reported,” he said, “But I don’t know for sure.”

*************************************************************

Nose tackle Ian Williams, who sustained a small fracture in his left leg in Sunday’s win at New Orleans, was sporting crutches and a boot that extended to his left knee in the locker room.

Harbaugh said Williams could go on season-ending injured reserve, which he did last year after he sustained a broken left ankle and torn ligaments in Week 2, an injury that required four surgeries.

On Sunday, Williams was replaced by Quinton Dial, who had one of the 49ers’ two sacks. He could eventually be replaced by Glenn Dorsey (biceps), who is on injured reserve with the designation to return and could be activated this week.

Rookie wide receiver Bruce Ellington was also on crutches and wearing a boot after he sustained a left ankle injury against the Saints. Harbaugh said he didn’t think Ellington would be placed on injured reserve.

Ellington is unlikely to play Sunday and cornerback Perrish Cox will return punts and running back Carlos Hyde will return kickoffs in his absence.

Linebacker Dan Skuta returned to practice today after his ankle injury sidelined him during practice last week and Sunday’s game.

Twitter: @Eric_Branch