Josh Dobbs becomes 49ers backup QB with ‘final touches’ against Raiders – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

LAS VEGAS – After three NFL 2024 preseason games, the 49ers have some difficult decisions to make – including who they will select to replace quarterback Brock Purdy.

Josh Dobbs cemented his position in San Francisco's final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday night at Allegiant Stadium, completing 8 of 10 attempts for 72 yards and a touchdown to earn a passer rating of 130.0. The Tennessee product has less experience than Brandon Allen in coach Kyle Shanahan's system, but Dobbs seems to be quickly finding his feet since his arrival.

“It went well, it was smooth,” Dobbs said of his first trip. “It can be tough when you're on the sidelines, especially all day, I feel like. In a 7 p.m. game, you wait until after halftime to go in and play.”

It was the second drive of the second half when Dobbs was given the go-ahead to lead the 49ers offense down the field. Purdy started the game and played three drives before Allen took over. He completed 5 of 7 attempts for 60 yards and posted a 97.3 rating in four drives.

“My goal when I get on the field is to get going and pick up right where they left off,” Dobbs said. “So get into a rhythm as quickly as possible, trust the guys around me to protect me up front, trust the running backs to carry the ball, trust the receivers to make plays for me and just execute my game when I'm there.”

“We did that. We went down the field, scored and had some efficient drives while I was there.”

Dobbs completed five consecutive passes on his first drive, targeting tight end Cameron Latu, running back Isaac Guerendo, rookie Jacob Cowing and tight end Brayden Willis. When Dobbs found Cowing a second time and slipped between two defenders, he put points on the scoreboard.

“It was a smooth drive,” Dobbs said. “It was good to get out there and get into a rhythm, get a quick pass to Cam. A couple of big third down attempts converted, and when we got into the red zone, it was a four-point play that went from a field goal to a touchdown.”

“When you get into the red zone, you always want to be able to run the ball. It's tight down there. My job as quarterback is to get the ball where it needs to go and it's their job to get it back. We did that, it was an efficient drive and we were able to get on the scoreboard.

After the 49ers rushed for just 93 yards as a team in their preseason win over the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco's running game took off when JP Mason led the way with eight carries for 42 yards.

Guerendo was the second-leading runner with 11 carries for 32 yards, while freshman Cody Schrader recorded seven carries for 27 yards. Dobbs believes it's only a matter of time before the running game reaches its full potential.

“I think we're just getting closer to the season getting into the swing of things,” Dobbs said. “I think the guys have gotten more game practice and are getting into the game better. It was good to have a couple of running backs back on the field and they're running hard. The running game looked good. We just need to put the finishing touches on it before the regular season starts.”

The 49ers open the 2024 regular season in just over two weeks at Levi's Stadium when they host the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

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