[h1]Niners safety Lewis misses practice for personal reasons[/h1]
Veteran safety
Michael Lewis might not be in the
San Francisco 49ers' gameplan for their Week 4 matchup against the
Atlanta Falcons, and, if he has his way, may not play another down for the 49ers.
Lewis has reportedly lost trust in the Niners organization and has
asked for his release, according to the
Sacramento Bee. The veteran safety did not attend practice Friday and isn't expected to travel with the team to Atlanta, according to the
Bee.
CoachMike Singletary said Lewis' reason for missing practice was personal.When asked if Lewis' absence was related to football, Singletarydeclined to elaborate.
"I don't want to go into whether it'sfootball or family," Singletary said. "I don't want to go into that.Anything you want to find out about that, you'll have to talk to Mike."
Lewis,30, has started all 50 games in which he has appeared with the 49ers.The veteran took a pay cut to remain with San Francisco for a fourthseason. He played his first five seasons with the
Philadelphia Eagles.
"Itold him to go ahead and do what you have to do," Singletary said. "Asfar as whether he'll make the trip or not, I'm not sure at this point.It depends on if things get worked out or not."
Singletary didn't confirm if safety
Taylor Mays would get the bulk of the playing time if Lewis is out.
"It means that you haveto wait and see how things work out," he said. "You know, Taylor justhas to be ready, as he is, every week and if he gets the chance to playa little extra, then great. We'll see how it works out."
On Wednesday, Singletary denied an NFL Network report that Lewis and veteran linebacker
Takeo Spikes were on the verge of being benched, saying there would be no lineup changes this week.
Obviously, that could change depending how the Lewis saga plays out.
"Idon't want to get into, 'If he were here,' and all that stuff,"Singletary said. "All I know is he's not here for personal reasons."
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