Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

NFL Makes Final Decision on Jaxon Smith-Njigba Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 5:28 AM ET

Jaxon Smith-Njigba played his part in the Seattle Seahawks’ divisional round win over the San Francisco 49ers . The All-Pro wide receiver caught three passes from quarterback Sam Darnold for 19 yards and one touchdown. It wasn’t a mind-blowing performance from Smith-Njigba, but it was enough to help lead Seattle to a spot in the conference championship game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Smith-Njigba was involved in a contentious incident against the 49ers. The two-time Pro Bowl wideout got into it with 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir. The two had a heated exchange on the field, which led to Lenoir headbutting Smith-Njigba on the helmet.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) waits for the snap.David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The incident happened at the 10:05 mark of the third quarter. After a confrontation, Lenoir drove his helmet toward Smith-Njigba’s head. The referees did not see the exchange, and no penalty was called during the game.

The NFL Officiating Department, however, reviews every incident from every game. This heated moment between Lenoir and Smith-Njigba drew extra attention. Upon review, the league deemed Lenoir’s actions in violation of the Player Safety Rules.

The NFL announced on Saturday via the gameday accountability report that Lenoir has been fined $20,944 for unnecessary roughness. The 49ers DB has been penalized for use of the helmet.

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

This is far from the first time Lenoir has been fined in his five years in the NFL. Earlier this season, the 26-year-old was fined $11,593 for a late hit against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16.

49ers linebacker Dee Winters was also fined for an incident during the game. Winters was fined $5,907 for a hip-drop tackle against Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. No fines were issued on the Seattle side.

The Seahawks are back in action on Sunday at Lumen Field. They will face Matthew Stafford and the Rams with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Kickoff from Seattle is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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