Backup quarterbacks used to be a huge talking point for 49ers fans before Brock Purdy emerged as their franchise QB and made it through his first full season uninjured and as a leader of the offense. The 49ers have dealt with many injuries to the position before Purdy’s 2023 season.

Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance suffered injuries that forced the team to start Nick Mullens, C.J. Beathard, and others at times. Lance was sent to Dallas for a fourth-round pick when the 49ers decided Sam Darnold was their answer at backup last season. The biggest drop-off in talent from starter to backup is the offensive line and quarterback. An injury to your starting QB is nearly impossible to recover from.

Heading into 2024, the 49ers added Josh Dobbs, in addition to Brandon Allen, as well as Tanner Mordecai to battle it out for the backup position. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports released his backup QB situations and placed the 49ers seventh.

Dobbs and the 49ers are sandwiched in between the Browns and Jameis Winston and the Los Angeles Rams and Garoppolo.

Here are Benjamin’s thoughts on Dobbs and the 49ers:

Dobbs wore out his welcome after improbable magical starts with both the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings in 2023. But his off-script tools make him a high-upside “relief pitcher,” and there might not be a better home for a quarterback than San Francisco, where Kyle Shanahan has both the designs and personnel to maximize his signal-callers strengths. Prolonged action has proven daunting for Dobbs, but if Brock Purdy needs a breather, the 49ers’ balanced and physical attack should be manageable.

Kyle Shanahan’s offense has propped up many quarterbacks pressed into duty during his time as 49ers HC. The rushing attack coupled with Dobbs’s running prowess can help the 49ers tread water during a short time missing Purdy. The goal is not to lose your starting QB, but the game of football is physical, and things happen.

Dobbs has proven himself capable in short bursts, but like any backup QB, extended action isn’t ideal.