Dobbs felt he deserved the 49ers’ backup QB job over Allen

Dobbs felt like he deserved the 49ers’ backup QB job over Allen originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Joshua Dobbs has had more passing yards than Brandon Allen in all three of the 49ers’ 2024 NFL preseason games, but the 29-year-old, who signed with San Francisco this offseason, lost the team’s backup quarterback job on Thursday.

Coach Kyle Shanahan announced that the 32-year-old Allen would replace starting forward Brock Purdy, with Dobbs set to serve as the third quarterback beginning in the 2024 regular season.

Dobbs, who completed 34 of 51 passes in the preseason for 351 yards, with one touchdown pass and one interception, told Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle that he feels he did what he had to do to prove himself worthy of being the No. 2 quarterback behind Purdy.

“I think I did,” Dobbs told Branch. “I think I played well in practice and games when I had the opportunity. I think my film shows that. It’s up to the coaches. And that’s the decision they made.”

Dobbs was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and played multiple seasons with the organization before joining the Tennessee Titans in 2022. Last year, he split time between the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, starting 12 games between the two NFC teams.

Dobbs signed with the 49ers early in the offseason, driven by a desire to be part of the culture Shanahan created in Santa Clara.

And while Dobbs played well during the preseason, Shanahan opted for Allen, who has been with the 49ers for nearly 18 months.

Allen completed 19 of 30 passes during the preseason for 194 yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown pass and didn’t have any interceptions.

In addition to his passing numbers, Dobbs also showed he can use his feet well, rushing three times for 25 yards and scoring a touchdown in the 49ers’ 16-10 win over the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 18.

Despite the disappointment of not getting the reserve role, Dobbs has a positive outlook on the situation.

“I know how it goes week to week,” Dobbs told Branch. “Things can change and stuff like that. Just keep myself (ready). Keep playing my game and stay ready for my opportunities. Even if you don’t agree with it, you still have to go out there and be ready to play. Feelings aside, (there’s) the professionalism of the work and the preparation.

“If you dwell on those things too long, you’re not prepared for the opportunity. It’s not ideal for me, honestly, but I’m going to prepare the same way I prepare and be ready to go when my number is called.”

Dobbs, Allen and the 49ers open the season Monday night against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium.

The 49ers hope Purdy can stay healthy for the entire season, but if he gets injured, they know they have two quarterbacks who can lead the offense.

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