UPDATE: In a shocking moment during the NFL Divisional Round, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir headbutted Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during a disastrous 41-6 playoff loss on January 17, 2026. The incident unfolded in the second half at Lumen Field in Seattle, escalating tensions as the Seahawks dominated.
Lenoir’s aggressive move came after an exchange of words with Smith-Njigba, as the defensive player unexpectedly slammed his helmet into the receiver’s facemask. In a surprising turn, no penalty was called as officials appeared to miss the blatant act in a game already spiraling out of the 49ers’ control.
Despite Lenoir’s defensive efforts, which included three tackles, the 49ers struggled against Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and his offense, who amassed 281 total yards and forced three turnovers. Smith-Njigba contributed significantly to the victory with three catches for 19 yards and a touchdown, proving instrumental in the Seahawks’ advancement.
After the game, Smith-Njigba’s brother took to social media, posting, “Jax always wanted a little brother to bully. Welcome to the family,” aimed directly at Lenoir, emphasizing the personal stakes of the rivalry.
Lenoir expressed disappointment post-game, suggesting that the outcome could have been different with a fully healthy team. “To have them guys back, I mean, it’s gonna be a totally different game,” he stated, acknowledging the injuries that plagued the 49ers. “But I mean, we can’t make no excuses. We had enough guys in here to get the job done. So I feel like it just ain’t going our favor today.”
As the Seahawks celebrate their commanding victory, they now turn their focus to the NFC Championship, where they will face the winner of the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears matchup.
This blowout loss marks a significant moment in the playoffs, showcasing the volatility of NFL postseason matchups. Fans will be watching closely as the Seahawks aim to build on this momentum while the 49ers regroup from this tough defeat.
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