Dobbs’ first start as 49ers QB could come in final game with team

SANTA CLARA — Quarterback Joshua Dobbs signed with the 49ers in the offseason after starting a career-high 12 games in 2023. It looks as if his first start with the 49ers on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals could come in his final game with the team. Dobbs, 29, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent, did not exactly go overboard when asked if he would like to return to the 49ers for the 2025 season. "Free agency will be free agency, so we'll let that handle itself," Dobbs answered. Dobbs opened the season as the 49ers' No. 3 quarterback behind Brock Purdy and backup Brandon Allen. He knew he would not supplant Purdy as the starter, but he figured to be ahead of Allen on the depth chart. Coach Kyle Shanahan elevated Dobbs to the backup role for two games in which he figured he needed a backup quarterback who could be more effective as a runner. Again, that is the case on Sunday against Arizona with the 49ers down at least two starters on their offensive line. Dobbs' first action of the regular season came on Monday night with 1:36 remaining in the fourth quarter after Purdy was sidelined with an elbow injury. Dobbs completed three of four pass attempts for 35...