National Football
League roundup

[October 14, 2017] 

(The Sports Exchange) - The San Francisco 49ers released linebacker NaVorro Bowman on Friday after the veteran expressed displeasure at coming out of last week's game.

The team agreed to the 29-year-old Bowman's request to be released after trade scenarios were investigated, according to general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan.

"Thursday evening, Kyle and I met with NaVorro, and from our conversation it became evident that going in different directions was best for both him and our team," Lynch said in a statement.

The eight-year veteran earned First-Team All-Pro honors four times (2011-13, 2015) and three trips to the Pro Bowl (2013-14, 2016).

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones called Thursday's federal appeals court decision that reinstated the six-game suspension of Ezekiel Elliott over an alleged domestic violence incident a "setback" as the star running back considers his legal options.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans voted 2-1 in favor of the NFL, which requested an emergency hearing after a district court in Texas blocked the suspension last month.

"We must all together look and see pragmatically what we're dealing with. And there is no question that the commissioner has the authority to make these suspensions," Jones said on a radio show. "The question was ultimately going to be does he have to follow in practice a fair way, and Zeke and his team and the Cowboys do not think that it was done in a fair way."

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Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was removed from the team's injury report and will start Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers

Carr missed last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens due to a transverse process fracture in his back.

Sunday's game between the Raiders and Chargers will be in Oakland, barring any significant change in air quality.

Wildfires in the area have claimed the lives of at least 31 people with hundreds more missing.

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FILE PHOTO: San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman reacts after making a stop against the St. Louis Rams during their NFL football game in San Francisco, California December 4, 2011. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith

The Minnesota Vikings ruled out quarterback Sam Bradford for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers and Case Keenum will return to the starting role.

Coach Mike Zimmer also said that top wide receiver Stefon Diggs (groin) and starting left guard Nick Easton (calf) will miss the game.

Bradford returned last week from a three-game absence due to an ailing left knee, but he aggravated the injury and did not practice all week.

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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints due to an ankle injury.

Stafford injured an ankle and his hamstring during Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers.

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Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Mike Williams declared himself ready to make his NFL debut this weekend against the Oakland Raiders.

Williams has been sidelined since May after suffering a herniated disk in his lower back during rookie minicamp.

(Editing by Gene Cherry)

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