Now on the wrong side of 30, Dobbs arrives as Jacoby Brissett’s replacement as Drake Maye’s caddy. We would assume Dobbs is firmly ahead of second-year pro Joe Milton on the depth chart. Although overexposed as as a multi-week starter, Dobbs’ dual-threat game has an “any given Sunday” element to it. You have a chance. Just not if you need to start him for two months. Considering Maye’s propensity to take mammoth rookie hits, Dobbs has fairly decent odds of seeing 2025 playing time, but hopefully not.

Dobbs also added eight carries for 17 yards and a score in a spot start that had a little bit of everything. Dobbs kept things interesting until crumbling late. He was also missing Jauan Jennings following a first half ejection, while the 49ers rationed George Kittle’s snaps in a meaningless game. Impressive enough, though we would have to imagine coach Kyle Shanahan would probably prefer a little more upside in his No. 2 spot for 2025. That could come in the form of a Day 2/3 draft pick or a more experienced veteran retread. 24 days shy of his 30th birthday, Dobbs has undoubtedly bought himself another year in the league.

Brock Purduy injured his right elbow on Monday and will miss the final week of the season. Brandon Allen will back up Dobbs. Dobbs took over for Purdy on the final drive versus Detroit and looked good, throwing for 35 yards on four attempts while punching in a seven-yard rushing touchdown. He will be in the QB2 mix for the final week of the regular season.

Dobbs came on in relief of the injured Brock Purdy with just under a minute left to play in the fourth quarter after Purdy apparently inured his throwing arm on a sack. There wasn’t an update passed from the team on Purdy’s status with the injury occurring so late, but it could be enough for Dobbs to grab a Week 18 start for the 49ers against the Cardinals.