49ers’ Michael Wilhoite likely to miss game against Browns

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Inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite said he has a high ankle sprain and is unlikely to make his 29th straight start at Cleveland on Sunday.

Wilhoite started in Sunday’s 26-20 overtime win at Chicago, but he was clearly hobbled by the injury he suffered in the fourth quarter of a Nov. 29 loss to the Cardinals. Wilhoite played just seven snaps before exiting.

“I knew,” Wilhoite said. “I knew even before, during warm-ups. I was just like, ‘Let me get out there, see how I feel. Maybe it will loosen up. Maybe it will warm up. Maybe once the adrenaline kicks in, I’ll be OK.’ It just didn’t work out that way.”

Wilhoite had an MRI exam this week, which determined he didn’t have structural damage. He would be replaced in the starting lineup by Gerald Hodges, who was acquired in a trade with the Vikings in October.

Hodges’ three starts this season came with Minnesota, including a 20-3 season-opening loss to the 49ers.

Injury updates: Wide receiver Torrey Smith (toe, back) did not practice after he didn’t appear on the injury report Wednesday, but he is expected to play Sunday. Smith said on 95.7 FM that he was sore and was given the day off.

Meanwhile, tight end Vance McDonald and outside linebacker Aaron Lynch did not practice for the second straight day after they suffered concussions Sunday. Rookie Blake Bell is the only healthy tight end, and the 49ers probably would promote Brian Leonhardt from the practice squad if McDonald is sidelined Sunday.

Offensive coordinator Geep Chryst said the shortage at the position has had other players lobbying for new roles: “It’s amazing how many defensive guys raise their hand thinking that they can play tight end,” Chryst said.

On second thought: Are the Browns regretting their decision to release running back Shaun Draughn? Well, Cleveland safety Donte Whitner thinks so.

The Browns parted with Draughn on Oct. 20 after he had two carries in five games with the team. Draughn has 192 rushing yards (3.3 yards a carry) and 22 catches for 163 yards in four games with the 49ers.

“He’s looking really good on the football field,” Whitner said. “...Kind of making us wish that we’d kept him.”

Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.