If you were looking to see more of Gerald Hodges, you're about to get your wish. Linebacker Michael Wilhoite told the media on Thursday that he was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, and is unlikely to play this weekend when the San Francisco 49ers travel to face the Cleveland Browns.
Hodges has some area to improve, but as Oscar Aparicio pointed out, he showed some good things. Hodges will seemingly get the start next to NaVorro Bowman, and that should mean a full complement snaps. Furthermore, he knows this going into the game, so he gets a full week of first string preparation.
Wilhoite is a restricted free agent after this season, so the odds are pretty good he will be back in 2016. The team will likely tender him an offer, which means they would have the right of first refusal on any contract offers from any other team. Even if Hodges finishes the season strong, Wilhoite will almost assuredly be back next season. The injury issues this year have shown how important depth is. Wilhoite is not a great linebacker, but he is a capable option. I still think he is best suited as a reserve option, but the depth is necessary either way.