Sat Jan 03 23:50:00 UTC 2026: Headline: 49ers CB Lenoir Taunts Seahawks’ Smith-Njigba Ahead of High-Stakes Showdown

Seattle, WA – The tension is palpable as the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers in a Week 18 clash that will determine the NFC West champion and the NFC’s top seed. Adding fuel to the fire, 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has publicly challenged Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN), marking the second time in a year he’s singled him out.

“Hopefully I get to shadow JSN,” Lenoir told reporters earlier this week. “I’m ready for this. Like, I hope he ready… Man-to-man coverage, me and him. That’s what I want. Me and him.”

Lenoir’s bravado comes despite Smith-Njigba’s impressive season, amassing an NFL-leading 1,709 receiving yards, placing him 14th all-time for a single season.

Former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus, now an analyst for Seattle Sports, weighed in on Lenoir’s comments. “That’s what (defensive backs) do,” Bumpus explained. “The best trash talkers I’ve ever played against were DBs… they’re gonna get (beat) more than anybody else on the field.”

While JSN had a productive Week 1 game against the 49ers with nine catches for 124 yards, PFF stats show he had no receptions and only one target when Lenoir was the closest defender.

With the 49ers primarily playing zone coverage, a consistent matchup between Lenoir and Smith-Njigba is unlikely. However, Bumpus anticipates fireworks when they do meet on the field.

“I cannot wait to see this matchup,” Bumpus said. “There’s going to be some words. I’m going to say Lenoir’s gonna get a penalty, because he’s going to take it too far. JSN knows how to toe line. He’s gonna get right there and (then) he’s gonna back up.”

The highly anticipated game is set for Saturday night, and fans are eager to see if Smith-Njigba can silence Lenoir’s taunts on the field.

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