49ers linebacker Brooks leaves team because of family reasons
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks was not with the team Wednesday due to family reasons.
First-year coach Jim Tomsula offered no explanation as to Brooks' absence or his potential return, although he said the team is keeping the former Pro Bowler "in our prayers."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Brooks is coming off his best game of the season, registering five tackles and a sack in Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers. On Sept. 29, Brooks pleaded not guilty to sexual battery in connection with an incident stemming from a party at former teammate Ray McDonald's house in December.
San Francisco may have had an inkling something was amiss with Brooks. On Tuesday, they traded center Nick Easton and a sixth-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for linebacker Gerald Hodges.
MORE NEWS: Want stories delivered to you? Sign up for our NFL newsletters.