ATLANTA – Linebacker Gerald Hodges was deactivated for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a violation of team rules, according to the 49ers.
Hodges started the past eight games for the 49ers at inside linebacker. His deactivation leaves the 49ers with just two inside linebackers in uniform.
There was no immediate word on the exact nature of Hodges' violation. As is typical, the 49ers left Friday for the trip to Atlanta.
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Michael Wilhoite will start alongside Nick Bellore, who took over after NaVorro Bowman’s season-ending Achilles injury. Bellore will make his 10th consecutive start on Sunday.
Hodges, a four-year veteran, entered the NFL in 2013 as a fourth-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings. The 49ers acquired him in October 2015 in a trade for center Nick Easton. Hodges is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
In 13 games this season, including 10 starts, Hodges ranks fifth on the 49ers with 75 tackles, according to the coaches film review. Hodges has career-highs with three sacks and two interceptions.