Joshua Dobbs has been named the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers’ season finale as the team faces the Arizona Cardinals, stepping in for Brock Purdy, who is sidelined due to an elbow injury. Coach Kyle Shanahan announced the decision on Wednesday, opting for Dobbs over Brandon Allen for the crucial matchup.
Brandon Allen had previously started for the 49ers in a Week 12 defeat against Green Bay when Purdy was recovering from a shoulder issue. However, with the 49ers dealing with an injury-decimated offensive line that features players filling in for both left guard and left tackle, Shanahan decided that Dobbs’ agility would be vital for the game. “He’s been great, him and Brandon,” noted Shanahan. “They’ve both been reliable and ready to step in. They alternate reps and prepare as if they will be starting every week. Their commitment has been fantastic.”
The 49ers currently hold a 6-10 record and are concluding a lackluster season with little to play for except for determining their draft position. Their first-round pick will range between the 11th and 14th selections based on the outcomes of the final week’s games.
Purdy sustained his elbow injury late during a recent loss to Detroit, suffering from a bruise and nerve inflammation, but the injury is not expected to pose long-term concerns concerning his surgically repaired right elbow.
Dobbs has prior experience as a starter, having played for the Arizona Cardinals last year after joining the team late during training camp. He began the first eight games before being traded to Minnesota as Kyler Murray returned from his knee injury, where he started four additional games. Across his career, Dobbs has made 14 starts which includes two appearances for Tennessee at the tail end of the 2022 season. He holds a career passer rating of 77.5, with 15 passing touchdowns against 13 interceptions and an average of 5.8 yards per attempt. Additionally, he has demonstrated mobility with an average of 5.5 yards per carry and seven rushing touchdowns, including one during the critical final drive after taking over for Purdy.
In that drive, Dobbs completed 3 of 4 passes for a total of 35 yards, showcasing his readiness for the job.
In team news, cornerback Charvarius Ward returned after the birth of his son, Charvarius Jr., over the weekend. Meanwhile, several other 49ers players were not scheduled to practice on Wednesday following Monday night’s game including notable names like George Kittle (ankle, hamstring), Deebo Samuel (ribs, wrist), and Nick Bosa (knee). Others missing practice included Leonard Floyd (shoulder), Robert Beal (ankle), Colton McKivitz (knee), Spencer Burford (calf), Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder), Isaac Yiadom (pelvis), and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf). Additionally, Ricky Pearsall (illness, chest) and Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) participated in limited capacities.
