Josh Dobbs just seized QB2 role in 49ers preseason game vs. Saints

If the battle for the 49ers' backup quarterback role was close entering preseason Week 2, Josh Dobbs just took a massive leap ahead.

Journeyman quarterback Josh Dobbs primarily played with third-string players and fringe guys when the San Francisco 49ers faced the Tennessee Titans in Week 1 of the preseason.

In preseason Week 2 against the visiting New Orleans Saints, Dobbs didn't take the field with starters. But the bulk of his offensive teammates are names who'd likely end up making the regular-season 53-man roster, albeit as backups.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan swapped his No. 2 signal-caller from the previous week, Brandon Allen, giving Dobbs the go-to role behind Sunday's starter, Brock Purdy, who played three series as the opener.

And, wow. Dobbs did not disappoint.

Josh Dobbs impresses vs. Saints, likely in lead for 49ers' QB2 role

Dobbs and Allen each had their plus moments in Nashville a week ago, and one could have argued the latter was in the lead simply by virtue of being immersed in Shanahan's offense for a second straight year.

Still, it was close. After Sunday's showdown against NOLA, Dobbs should be in the lead.

Dobbs looked every part the seasoned veteran, finishing out the rest of the first half, going 12-of-21 for 133 yards while also rushing for 25 yards on three attempts.

Including a 1-yard touchdown score to close out the first half:

Allen wasn't terrible, per se, going 7-of-10 for 36 yards. He also had to deal with playing with a lot of teammates who'll be out of a job in a few weeks, which was the case for Dobbs a week before.

But, as far as the simple eye test, the Niners offense functioned with so much more potency with Dobbs under center than Allen.

While the battle is far from complete, one could make a strong case and prediction that Dobbs will end up being the best option to back up Purdy once the regular season rolls around.

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