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Jaxon Smith-Njigba: I was thinking too much on late drop

Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba took responsibility for a crucial missed reception during Sunday's 32-29 defeat against the 49ers. With the contest winding down in the fourth quarter after San Francisco took the lead with a field goal, Smith-Njigba gained 35 yards on a pass from quarterback Sam Darnold to reach opposing territory.

Following another play where he absorbed a heavy collision, a third-down target hit his hands cleanly but fell incomplete, ultimately dooming the comeback bid when Cooper Kupp subsequently came up short of the line to gain.

Reflecting on the miscue after the final whistle, the pass catcher admitted he allowed excessive thoughts to cloud his focus instead of simply reacting naturally. He declined to specify whether physical factors—such as that earlier blow or a heavily taped ankle from the first half—contributed to his momentary mental lapse.

The reliable offensive weapon now needs to put the costly error behind him rapidly, as the team travels to face Denver on Thursday night.

Up nextNFL· 25m ago

Houston Texans News: Monday October 12, 2026