UPDATE: In a stunning display of aggression, San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir headbutted Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during the 49ers’ crushing 41-6 playoff defeat on January 17, 2026. The incident unfolded in the second half at Lumen Field, escalating tensions in a game that was already heavily tilted in favor of Seattle.
As the Seahawks dominated, Lenoir and Smith-Njigba exchanged heated words before Lenoir delivered a headbutt that connected with Smith-Njigba’s facemask. Astonishingly, no penalty was called, indicating that officials may have overlooked the incident.
This aggressive confrontation occurred amid a challenging game for the 49ers, who struggled defensively against Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and his explosive offense. While Lenoir recorded three tackles, the entire defensive unit faced significant hurdles, allowing Seattle to amass 281 total yards and force three turnovers.
In a twist of irony, Smith-Njigba finished the game with three catches for 19 yards and a touchdown, further cementing his contributions to the Seahawks’ victory. After the game, his brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, took to social media to mock Lenoir, tweeting, “Jax always wanted a little brother to bully. Welcome to the family.”
Post-game, Lenoir expressed frustration, suggesting that the 49ers could have performed better if they had been at full strength. “To have them guys back, I mean, it’s gonna be a totally different game,” he told KNBR, acknowledging the challenges his team faced. “But I mean, we can’t make no excuses. We had enough guys in here to get the job done.”
With this decisive win, the Seattle Seahawks are set to face the winner of the upcoming NFC Divisional Round matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship. Fans and analysts alike are already buzzing about the implications of this game and its impact on the postseason landscape.
As this story continues to develop, stay tuned for updates on the fallout from this heated playoff clash and its ramifications for both teams.
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