Can I rub my recipient area to remove the scabs so I can return to work without them? (Photos)

It is best to contact your surgeon for post surgery issues and care since all doctors have slightly different instructions.

I allow my patients to gently rub their scabs while they are in the shower, after they have softened up at 1 week. Don't be real aggressive if they do not want to come off, but you should be able to clean the area well by 2 days of this.

You are fine to remove the scabs in my opinion. By this time the grafts are set. Just be careful when removing them.

Thanks for the question. For a multitude of reasons, it is
never a good idea to rub off scabs after a surgical procedure, or an injury.
With meticulous wound care, the scabs should come off by themselves within the
first week after surgery. Speaking specifically about hair transplantation, the
scab is often connected with the follicular unit graft. Pulling it off
prematurely carries the risk of also damaging, or removing the transplanted
hair follicle, which is not a good idea. The day of surgery typically does not
count as a "post-op day". I hope this helps, and if you're still
unsure, give your surgeon's office a call.

You should follow the instructions that were given to you by your doctor, to ensure an optimal result. The surgery day does not count as a post-op day, so you are at Day 8 post-op. I would recommend that you contact your doctor for further instructions. 

To remove these crust, leave the shampoo on your scalp to allow the crust to pick up the water so that they become water logged.  Then gently with your finger tips, rub these crusts. Repeat this process daily until all of the crusts are off. Don't be rough or pick off the grafts or you will lose the value of them as the crusts must come off easily