Kevin Lynch

The 49ers signed veteran linebacker Terry Killens to bolster the special teams. A third-round choice of the Houston Oilers in 1996, the 49ers first signed Killens in training camp last season -- he made 25 tackles on special teams and was part of an inspired goal-line stand in a victory over the Eagles.

The Broncos signed Killens in the offseason to a lucrative six-year deal, but he didn't make the roster.

Since Killens wasn't on a team during the 2002 season, he was available to any playoff team.

"It's so much easier to go to a team you know," special teams coach Bruce DeHaven said. "When you are new and you mess up, you don't know how everyone will react. If you're known and mess up, you think, 'They know what kind of player I am.' "

The 49ers released safety Jason Moore to make room for Killens.

RESPECT FOR BEASLEY: Fullback Fred Beasley, who was miffed about a Pro Bowl shunning, was named second-team All Pro last Saturday. Beasley was the only fullback named, joining running backs Priest Holmes (Kansas City), Ricky Williams (Miami) and fellow second-teamer LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego).

"I still think there's a chance he ends up over there," 49ers coach Steve Mariucci said of Beasley's chances to play in the Pro Bowl. Beasley, who is the first alternate, lost out to Buccaneer Mike Alstott at fullback.

"I've coached over there (in the Pro Bowl)," Mariucci said. "Mike Alstott wants to carry the football and not be the lead back on running plays. They could use a guy like Fred Beasley over there."

BRIEFLY: CB Jason Webster, who is the only 49er listed as questionable with an ankle sprain, missed practice Wednesday. If Webster can practice later in the week, he'll play, Mariucci said. Tackle Derrick Deese (ankle), WR Terrell Owens (groin) and G Ron Stone (ankle) did not practice but are listed as probable. LB Saleem Rasheed (thigh), and S Zack Bronson (foot) practiced and are listed as probable. . . . C Jeremy Newberry (ankle) left practice early, but is expected to play. . . . QB Jeff Garcia was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his 331 passing yards against the Giants. . . . Mariucci said Vinny Sutherland would handle punts and kickoffs Sunday. . . . NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue called the officials' non-call of pass interference at the end of Sunday's game "the most disappointing moment regarding officiating in my 13 years as commissioner." He also called the officiating "totally unacceptable."

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