Dobbs arrested on 25th birthday, out for Rams

Second-year 49ers veteran Demarcus Dobbs was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana, the California Highway Patrol said, and he did not travel to St. Louis with the team later in the day and won’t play in Sunday’s game against the Rams.

CHP Officer D.J. Sarabia said that Dobbs was involved in a single-car accident in which he hit a chain-link fence and a bush but didn't sustain any injuries. Dobbs was arrested at 3:45 a.m. in Santa Clara, where the team trains.

''Just property damage, so no injuries. He was the only one involved,'' Sarabia said. ''It was cut and dry, without incident.''

The arrest came on the 25th birthday for Dobbs, one of the NFC West-leading Niners' top special teams players. The 49ers released a statement Friday afternoon saying Dobbs wouldn't travel with the team to St. Louis.

The statement from the team read, “The 49ers are aware of the recent matter involving Demarcus Dobbs. We are gathering the relevant facts as it pertains to this situation. We have been in contact with both Demarcus and the League office. He will not be making the trip to St. Louis, and we will reserve further comment at this time.”

Dobbs made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent last year and has been developing into a versatile role player. A defensive lineman in college and throughout his rookie season, the 49ers have been transitioning Dobbs to the offensive side of the ball this year while also still using him on defense and most of their special teams units.

The Niners even changed Dobbs’ uniform number to No. 83 this season after he wore No. 96 last season, and he is now listed third on their offensive depth chart at tight end behind Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker and second on the defensive depth chart at right tackle behind Justin Smith.

Dobbs was San Francisco’s team leader on special teams with 567 points, based on an accumulation of different plays made on those units. Dobbs is credited with three tackles, eight knockdowns and two big plays on those units. He also has recorded seven tackles on defense this season. Last year as a rookie, he played in 12 games and was credited with three tackles on defense along with seven knockdowns and 179 total points on special teams.