49ers S Michael Lewis Asks For Release

San Francisco 49ers safety Michael Lewis has asked for his release, Matthew Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports.

2010 has been a rough year for Lewis, who took a paycut prior to the start of the regular season and has had his playing time diminish, with Reggie Smith seeing time at strong safety opposite Dashod Goldson.

Lewis injured his ankle during Sunday's 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

A no-show for today's practice, 49ers head coach Mike Singletary indicated that Lewis was absent for "personal reasons". The team listed Lewis as "Probable" on their final injury report of the week.

Barrows adds that Lewis was told earlier this week that his role on the defense would not change. Later, Lewis was told that he'd start, but 2010 second-round pick Taylor Mays would see more playing time on defense.

The 49ers have not yet granted Lewis' request.

Lewis is now the second member of the defense to ask for his release. 2008 first-round defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer went AWOL at the beginning of training camp. The 49ers ultimately traded him to the Seattle Seahawks for a future draft pick.

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