49ers Face Quarterback Dilemma Ahead of Pivotal Matchup Against Packers

The San Francisco 49ers are navigating a significant challenge as they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers without key players, including starting quarterback Brock Purdy and star pass rusher Nick Bosa. This scenario presents a tough battle for the team as they aim to maintain their standings in the NFC West.

Brock Purdy, who managed to complete last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained during the match. This development kept him out of practice sessions throughout the week. Meanwhile, Nick Bosa is also absent from the lineup, grappling with a hip and oblique injury, which has ruled him out of yet another game.

The 49ers have responded by announcing that former Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals backup will start against the Packers. Veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs is likely to serve as a backup. Dobbs, who previously served as a starter with the Minnesota Vikings after an injury to Kirk Cousins, has made significant contributions to the 49ers’ scout team.

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his satisfaction with Dobbs’ contributions, stating, «He’s been awesome. [Dobbs and Allen] split the scout team reps, so they both get equal reps over there throughout the year, and really loved having him in the room. And he’s been great on the field too.»

The NFC West remains a fiercely competitive division, with teams like the Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals capitalizing on opportunities to stay in the race. As the 49ers grapple with their lineup challenges, every game carries significant weight as the regular season reaches its final stretch.

The 49ers face a daunting schedule ahead, including division matchups against the Rams and Cardinals—both of whom have previously triumphed over San Francisco this season—as well as games against the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions.

A loss against the Packers, which would drop the 49ers to 5-6, could significantly hinder their playoff aspirations, potentially leaving them two games behind division leader Arizona Cardinals without a direct tiebreaker. As the competition for NFC Wild Card spots intensifies, maintaining pace with division rivals becomes critical for the 49ers.