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SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Former San Francisco 49ers All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis took to Twitter to tackle a rumor that he was considering a return to the NFL after having announced his retirement this past off-season. "I made my decision back in April, and I haven't thought twice about ... playing another down in the NFL ... period," Willis tweeted in all capital letters.
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"So quit trying to bring life ... on a chapter that I have already closed in my heart and mind."
So that's the final word on that. Or semifinal. Time or Twitter will tell.
--The 49ers filled two voids on their 10-man practice squad Monday by signing tight end Brian Leonhardt and offensive tackle Donald Hawkins.
Leonhardt played 12 games for the Oakland Raiders last season after having been undrafted in 2013. He had been on the Cleveland Browns' practice squad this season until getting released on Nov. 11.
He has six career receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown.
The 49ers lost a tight end recently when they dealt starter Vernon Davis to the Denver Broncos.
Hawkins, meanwhile, adds depth in the 49ers' weakest area - the offensive line. He played one game for the Dallas Cowboys last season after having earlier been waived by the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.
Hawkins had been on the Miami Dolphins' practice squad this season before being released last week.
--Quarterback Blaine Gabbert is scheduled to make his second 49ers start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. He has never faced the Seahawks in his career.
--Running back Carlos Hyde (foot) was not deemed healthy enough to participate when the 49ers returned to practice Monday after a bye. Hyde appears headed for a third consecutive absence.
--Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (hamstring) was not able to run full speed while attempting to rehab his injury during the 49ers' bye week, coach Jim Tomsula disclosed Monday. Boldin is questionable for Sunday's game.
--Wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (knee) has been cleared to begin practice this week, Tomsula said. Smelter suffered a torn ACL last season while playing for Georgia Tech. The 49ers nonetheless drafted Smelter in the fourth round last May and then placed him on the non-football injury list.
--Tight end Brian Leonhardt was signed Monday to the 49ers practice squad. Undrafted in 2013, Leonhardt caught six passes for 35 yards and a touchdown in 12 games for the Oakland Raiders last season.
--Center Daniel Kilgore (leg) will practice this week for the first time this season. Kilgore was on the physically unable to perform list after breaking his left leg in Week 7 of last season.
--Offensive tackle Donald Hawkins was signed to the practice squad Monday. The second-year pro was active for one game in his NFL career, last season with the Dallas Cowboys.
--Cornerback Tramaine Brock (shin) was not fully recovered when the 49ers' practice week began Monday after a bye. He might sit out a second straight game Sunday.
