Brock Purdy injury raises doubts on 49ers' backup quarterback situation

Brock Purdy might not be able to play in Week 12 against the Packers, meaning the 49ers' choice to roll with Brandon Allen as the No. 2 QB is in focus again.

Way back during the preseason, one of the primary focal points for the San Francisco 49ers was who would serve as quarterback Brock Purdy's primary backup.

In a three-game exhibition-bout battle between reserve signal-callers Brandon Allen and Josh Dobbs, one that seemed to sway back and forth between the two, the former ultimately won out despite the latter's notable playmaking abilities leading up to Week 1 of the regular season.

It was something of a surprise selection, going with Allen over Dobbs as the No. 2 on the depth chart. While the incumbent backup boasted a clearer understanding of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, Dobbs displayed far more athletic prowess and playmaking ability during his time on the field.

Ultimately, though, it was a moot point for the first 11 weeks. After all, backups ideally don't see the field for meaningful snaps, and Purdy stayed healthy over the initial 10 games.

However, with San Francisco's starter dealing with a shoulder injury, a preseason talking point about the depth chart suddenly comes back into focus.

Allen or Dobbs?

Is Brandon Allen the right choice for 49ers as QB2?

On Friday, two days before the 49ers travel to take on the 7-3 Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, general manager John Lynch stated Purdy's chances of playing in Week 12 were "tenuous," while also confirming Allen would be the go-to option if the Niners' starter wasn't able to play because of injury.

Both Allen and Dobbs saw an uptick in practice time with Purdy rehabilitating, but that only reinforces the question marks surrounding whether or not San Francisco made the correct choice on the depth chart in the first place.

Allen, who has never faced Green Bay in his career, hasn't started a game since 2021 when he was with the Cincinnati Bengals, whereas Dobbs started 12 a season ago between the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings despite also never having faced Green Bay over his career.

In some ways, Dobbs' athleticism and scrambling abilities open up an X-factor for the 49ers that could be beneficial in light of his relative lack of chemistry with the first-team offense. Whereas Allen is more traditional a pocket passer, one that stays within Shanahan's system, Dobbs' own traits and characteristics add a wrinkle for which the Packers defense must prepare.

Of course, if Purdy winds up being healthy enough to play, it's another moot point.

However, if Allen winds up taking over under center and provides a stale, uninspiring performance in Week 12, one can fairly wonder if Dobbs should have been the correct choice.

Again.

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