Veteran linebacker NaVorro Bowman’s eight-year run with San Francisco 49ers came to an end after the team granted his request for release. 49ers general manager John Lynch made the announcement on Friday, thanking Bowman for giving his heart and soul to the team for the last eight years. According to Lynch, he and head coach Kyle Shanahan met with Bowman where the two sides determined that parting ways would be beneficial for the team and the linebacker’s career.

Lynch then wished Bowman and his family great success, adding that the linebacker will be remembered as one of the great players to wear the 49ers uniform.

Earlier, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider reported that Bowman’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, wrote a letter to all 31 other teams, informing them that his client had permission to seek a trade. However, no team expressed interest in trading for Bowman, a third-round pick by the 49ers in the 2010 NFL Draft. The 29-year-old Bowman ended his stint with the 49ers with 808 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four interceptions. He also forced seven fumbles and recovered five, in addition to his 28 passes defended.

He was selected to the First-Team All-Pro four times during his eight seasons with the 49ers. Before he was released, Bowman played five games this season, tallying 38 total tackles.

Raiders QB Derek Carr to start vs Chargers

According to Rapoport, Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr will start against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Carr suffered a back injury in their loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 4 and was expected to be sidelined for two to six weeks. However, the back injury sidelined Carr for only one game, their Week 5 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Raiders (2-3) started EJ Manuel in Carr’s place against the Ravens, completing 13-of-26 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown.

Meanwhile, the NFL said the Raiders-Chargers game will be played in Oakland, as scheduled, despite the wildfires that have killed more than 20 people and destroyed many properties in the California. According to NFL spokesperson Michael Signora, the league saw no reason to move the game to another venue. Rapoport earlier said that the Levi’s Stadium, where the 49ers play, is available if needed.

Patriots’ Gronkowski to return against Jets

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said he will play against the New York Jets on Sunday, per Nora Princiotti of the Boston Globe. Gronkowski did not play in their Week 5 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a thigh injury. He was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice but had a full practice session Friday.