Dobbs (ankle) returned to the field for Sunday's preseason tilt against the Broncos.

Dobbs suffered an ankle injury in the team's first preseason game against Baltimore last week, but was healthy enough to line up on defense and special teams Sunday. He did not record a tackle in the loss to Denver. Dobbs will be fighting for one of the final roster spots in the coming weeks.

Dobbs - who started Thursday's preseason opener - left the game with an ankle injury, CSN Bay Area reports.

Dobbs was starting in place of Justin Smith (shoulder) at defensive end. The extent of the injury is currently unknown.

49ers re-signed restricted free agent DL Demarcus Dobbs to a one-year, $1.43 million contract.

Dobbs, 26, will compete for backup duties behind Justin Smith for the third straight season. He appeared in 15 games last year, finishing with 14 tackles.

49ers tendered offers to restricted free agents DL Demarcus Dobbs and LB Michael Wilhoite.

Dobbs appeared in 15 games as a reserve defensive lineman, finishing with just 14 tackles. He's now owed $1.431 million in 2014. Wilhoite will compete for a backup job on special teams.

NFL suspended 49ers DE Demarcus Dobbs one game for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.

Dobbs was busted for DUI and marijuana possession last November. The suspension shouldn't endanger his roster spot. Dobbs is expected to serve as Justin Smith's backup this season.

49ers DE Demarcus Dobbs is "well ahead of schedule" in his recovery from partial knee ligament tears suffered last December 9.

Dobbs' agent says his client will probably be ready for training camp. Per the 49ers coaching staff's "points" system, Dobbs was San Francisco's top-rated special teamer in 2012. Dobbs is used sparingly on the defensive line.

49ers placed DE Demacus Dobbs (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season.

A two-way player, Dobbs has been the 49ers' third tight end and a rotational defensive lineman while also handling special teams duties. The team is expected to sign LB Matt McCoy to take his roster spot.

49ers DE Demarcus Dobbs was arrested Friday morning on suspicion of DUI and possession of marijuana.

49ers DE Demarcus Dobbs has been seeing snaps at tight end in minicamp.

Dobbs saw limited snaps after making the 49ers as an undrafted free agent last season, but was used on kickoff coverage in the playoffs. He boasts impressive athleticism for his 6-foot-6, 275 pound frame, but it's doubtful he'd be used as more than an extra blocker if he sees time on offense.

The 49ers used rookie DE Demarcus Dobbs on kickoff coverage in the playoffs.

It's a pretty impressive feat for a defensive lineman who weighs between 275 and 282 pounds. Dobbs, an undrafted rookie out of Georgia, had two sacks in the preseason before playing a limited defensive role behind Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, and Ricky Jean-Francois during the regular season. Dobbs' athleticism could lead him toward a bigger role in 2012.