UPDATE NEWS: NFL Facing Punishment Decision Over 49ers-Seahawks Incident
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11)
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers saw their season come to an end on Saturday at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. The Niners entered their divisional round matchup against Sam Darnold and Co. with high hopes, only to get blown out in the most important game of their season, 41-6.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, there was no shortage of action in the game. There were several contentious incidents throughout the contest that will require an investigation by the NFL. One of them came in the third quarter of the game, with 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir letting his emotions get the better of him.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir
Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was relatively quiet in Saturday’s dominant victory. The All-Pro wideout caught just three passes for 19 yards, but he was able to score a touchdown late in the first quarter to put Seattle up 17-0.
Smith-Njigba and Lenoir had several encounters throughout the game. Emotions were running high in this one, which led to a heated exchange between the two players in the second half.
In the video below, Lenoir can be seen headbutting Smith-Njigba with his helmet. The referees missed the incident, though, and no penalty was called during the game.
Should be at least a half-a-season Suspension on Deommodore Lenoir here
This is a VIOLENT blow on an unsuspecting opponent
Could have caused serious physical harm to Jaxon Smith-Njigba who was not in a defensive stance or brace position
Year Suspension
pic.twitter.com/1ZxYGetIox— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) January 18, 2026
The NFL Officiating Department reviews every play from every game, and they will have to look into this incident. According to the rulebook, impermissible use of the helmet is defined as a player using “any part of his helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent’s head or neck.” This is a personal foul that results in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down.
Moreover, impermissible use of the helmet is an offense that warrants one of the heftiest fines under the NFL’s Player Safety Rules. A first offense is eligible for a fine of $23,186, while a second offense will cost $46,371.
For context, Lenoir has not been fined for a similar offense this season. However, he took a $11,593 fine after a late hit against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16.
It’s the end of the line for the 49ers and their injury-plagued season. The Seahawks, on the other hand, will face either the Los Angeles Rams or the Chicago Bears in the conference championship game next Sunday.
