The San Francisco 49ers made a pair of roster moves on Monday, signing two players to fill out their practice squad. The 49ers announced the signing of offensive tackle Donald Hawkins and tight end Brian Leonhardt. The 49ers promoted cornerbacks Marcus Cromartie and Chris Davis from the practice squad prior to their Week 9 win over the Atlanta Falcons, and had not replaced them.
Hawkins (6-4, 305 - NFL.com scouting report, Draft Insider scouting report) was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles on May 10, 2014. He was waived by the Eagles on August 23, 2014, claimed by the Cleveland Browns on August 25, 2014, and later waived by the Browns on August 30, 2014. Hawkins was then claimed by the Dallas Cowboys on August 31, 2014, where he saw action in one game in 2014 before being waived on May 8, 2015. He was claimed by the Miami Dolphins on May 11, waived on September 5, and later added to the Dolphins practice squad on September 8, where he spent the first nine weeks of the 2015 season. Hawkins was released from the Dolphins practice squad on November 13.
A 23-year-old native of Tunica, MS, Hawkins played collegiately at the University of Texas for two seasons (2012-13) after transferring from Northwest (MS) Community College. He appeared in 25 games (24 starts) on the offensive line with the Longhorns.
Leonhardt (6-5,255 - Silver & Black player profile) was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Oakland Raiders on April 29, 2013. He was waived by the Raiders on August 31, 2013 and was signed to the team's practice squad on September 2, 2013 where he spent the entire season. After signing a reserve/future contract with the team on December 30, 2013, he appeared in 12 games (three starts) in 2014 and registered six receptions for 35 yards and one touchdown. He was waived by the team on September 5, 2015, and later signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad on October 20. He was released by the Browns on November 11.
A 25-year-old native of Blaine, MN, Leonhardt played collegiately at Bemidji State University where he appeared in 43 games and registered 112 receptions for 1,431 yards and 15 touchdowns.