With Purdy nursing an elbow injury and the 49ers out of the playoffs, coach Kyle Shanahan opted to go with Dobbs over Allen for the season finale because of his mobility behind a patchwork offensive line. Dobbs had some good moments against the Cardinals (8-9) and a few he'd like back.

Week 18 will mark the second game Purdy has missed this season, but this time the starter in his stead will be different. Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday announced Joshua Dobbs would get the start ahead of Brandon Allen, who has been Purdy’s backup for virtually the entire season.

There wasn’t much to be gleaned from a 47-24 loss to Arizona except that free agent Josh Dobbs could be a viable backup for Brock Purdy.