SANTA CLARA, Calif. — After a tumultuous year that saw him journey across several teams, Joshua Dobbs has settled into a more stable role as a backup quarterback this season for the San Francisco 49ers, primarily working alongside Brock Purdy.
This weekend, Dobbs is set to take the reins as the starting quarterback, stepping in for an injured Purdy during the Week 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. This opportunity could provide Dobbs a crucial advantage as he approaches the free agency period in the offseason.
“Every time you get the chance to play, it’s a sort of audition—not just for your current team but also for the other 31 franchises,” Dobbs expressed. “Considering my contract is up and I’ll be a free agent come March, this is a great opportunity for me to demonstrate what I can bring as a 49er and in this system. I prefer to let free agency play out on its own, but I’m looking forward to getting on the field and making an impact.”
This season has been significantly different compared to the chaotic year Dobbs experienced in 2023. He kicked off the year by starting the last game of the 2022 season for the Tennessee Titans and later joined the Cleveland Browns as a free agent in March.
Less than three weeks prior to the new season, he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. Right from the start, Dobbs proved himself as the Week 1 starter and later found himself traded to the Minnesota Vikings before the trade deadline.
Despite the whirlwind of transitions, Dobbs successfully led the Vikings to victory shortly after joining the team, demonstrating his adaptability amidst unfamiliar surroundings. He went on to start 12 games this past season—an impressive feat considering he only started two games throughout his first five years in the league, thereby earning recognition as a capable NFL quarterback.
He signed with San Francisco in March, where he has spent the majority of the season familiarizing himself with Kyle Shanahan’s established offensive system. Serving as the third-string quarterback behind Purdy and Brandon Allen, Dobbs articulated the benefits of remaining in one place throughout the year.
“I don’t feel like a different person, but being in a single location for the entire year has certainly been advantageous,” he noted. “I’ve been able to learn consistent terminology and build rapport with the same teammates and coaches. It’s been a pleasure.”
With Purdy sidelined due to an elbow injury, Dobbs was chosen by Shanahan as the starter, particularly due to his ability to move around effectively behind an injury-ridden offensive line that will feature players on the fourth-string at both left guard and left tackle.
This marks the second consecutive season Purdy has missed the final game of the regular season, as he rested during Week 18 last year after the 49ers had secured the top seed in the playoffs. This allowed Sam Darnold the opportunity to start, showcasing his potential after working to revive his career in San Francisco.
Darnold’s success has reshaped perceptions, as he signed with Minnesota in free agency, throwing 35 touchdown passes this season and earning Pro Bowl honors while helping the Vikings clinch a playoff berth.
“It’s hard to overlook how successful he’s been,” noted Dobbs. “I was part of that Minnesota team last year, and I have immense respect for how special that organization is. It’s been inspiring to see him seize the opportunity and lead that squad.”
In other team updates, tight end George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) returned to practice on a limited basis after missing Wednesday’s session, while safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) was absent from practice following a limited practice on Wednesday. Defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) continues to be among several players still out of practice.
Kittle recently received the Garry Niver Award, recognizing the player who exhibits the utmost professionalism and cooperation with the media. Additionally, the 49ers have signed defensive lineman Tarron Jackson to their practice squad, a player who has experience from 24 games played with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles.
