When they traded for Gerald Hodges in October, the 49ers knew the inside linebacker could tackle.

They’ve since discovered that he can talk. A lot.

“I like his energy,” head coach Jim Tomsula said. “Every once in a while, I’m probably going to say, ‘Please, shh.’”

Energy? It’s a word defensive coordinator Eric Mangini also used when discussing Hodges, who made a memorable first impression.

“It pops about two minutes after you meet him,” Mangini said. “It’s sort of like, ‘Hey, it’s nice to meet you,’ and then the volume gets turned up. It’s pretty intense.”

Hodges’ caffeinated nature will be on display Sunday when he makes his first start for the 49ers against the Browns. Hodges, 24, will sub for Michael Wilhoite, whose starting streak will be snapped at 28 games because of a high ankle sprain.

Hodges, a 2013 fourth-round pick, subbed for Wilhoite in the first quarter of Sunday’s 26-20 overtime win at Chicago and had six tackles in his most extensive action since he was acquired from the Vikings.

Hodges played 65 of 78 snaps and was part of a unit that allowed two touchdowns and 364 yards. That was a marked improvement from the 49ers’ first five road games, when they went 0-5 and surrendered an average of 35.2 points and 464 yards.

Did Hodges provide the needed spark for a previously lifeless-away-from home defense? That’s debatable. There’s no question he added some volume to the huddle.

“That’s just how I am,” Hodges said. “I take pride in that because throughout the game, guys get tired. When you bring that energy, that’s when you’ve got guys able to feed off that.”

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Depending on the severity of Wilhoite’s injury, Hodges could use the final four regular-season games to make a case that he merits a starting role in 2016. Hodges started 10 games in two-plus seasons with Minnesota and the 49ers might have viewed him as Wilhoite’s eventual replacement when they dealt for him.

In the offseason, general manager Trent Baalke indicated a contract extension with Wilhoite was imminent, but the two sides did not reach an agreement. Wilhoite will be a restricted free agent after the season. Hodges is signed through 2016.

On Sunday, Hodges will start alongside All-Pro inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, his teammate at Penn State in 2009 when Hodges was a freshman. Hodges is hopeful the players from Linebacker U will make a strong pairing in the NFL.

“That’s the plan,” Hodges said. “That’s what I’m here to do. I’m here to show them that I’m a caliber of player, I can go in and play all downs. And that’s the plan. I want to be able to play all downs and go out there and make some plays with Bo.”

Injury updates: Less than a week after wide receiver Torrey Smith finished a game in dramatic fashion, it’s uncertain whether he’ll start Sunday.

Smith has been listed as questionable with back and toe injuries. He declined to discuss his injuries Friday, and was moving slowly in the locker room. He did note, however, that he hasn’t missed a game in his five-year, 76-game career.

Smith had a 71-yard, game-winning touchdown reception Sunday. He was a full participant in practice Wednesday, but appeared on the injury report Thursday and sat out practice. He was limited in Friday’s session.

Meanwhile, tight end Vance McDonald (concussion), Wilhoite (ankle) and running back Carlos Hyde (foot) were ruled out. Cornerback Tramaine Brock and linebacker Aaron Lynch (concussion) are questionable.

With McDonald out, rookie Blake Bell is the only healthy tight end on the roster. The 49ers probably will elevate practice-squad tight end Brian Leonhardt to the active roster Saturday.

Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: ebranch@sfchronicle.com Twitter: Eric_Branch