The San Francisco 49ers have parted with Michael Lewis, two days after the veteran safety reportedly requested his release.
Lewis did not travel with the team to Atlanta this weekend, having left the team Friday for what coach Mike Singletary deemed personal reasons.
The team announced Lewis' release Monday in a press release.
"I want to thank Michael for his hard work and leadership as a 49er," Singletary said. "We wish him and his family all the best."
Lewis and the 49ers' divorce began when the safety lost trust in the 49ers organization, according to a report Saturday in *The Sacramento Bee*. That mistrust may stem from an NFL Network report last Wednesday that Lewis and veteran LB Takeo Spikes were on the verge of being benched. Singletary denied the report, saying there would be no lineup changes vs. the Falcons, and stayed true to his word, starting Spikes.
Rookie S Taylor Mays started in place of Lewis and made his presence felt. He recovered a blocked Falcons punt in the end zone in the first quarter for a touchdown.
Lewis, 30, has started all 50 games in which he has appeared with the 49ers. He took a pay cut to remain with San Francisco for a fourth season. He played his first five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
