The Commanders vs 49ers 2026 recap centers on a hard-fought Monday Night Football battle that ultimately slipped away in the final moments. Washington nearly erased a 20-point deficit at Levi’s Stadium but fell short in a 23-17 loss to the undefeated San Francisco 49ers.
First Half Dominance by San Francisco
San Francisco jumped ahead early. Brock Purdy connected with George Kittle for an 11-yard touchdown on the opening drive. Christian McCaffrey added a pair of one-yard rushing scores, one in the first quarter and another just before halftime. The 49ers led 20-3 at the break after outgaining Washington 303 yards to 90. Ugh.
Purdy finished the half with a full game of statistics – 21 of 29 for 264 yards and one touchdown. McCaffrey contributed 64 rushing yards and two scores plus nine receptions.
Washington managed only a 51-yard field goal from Drew Stevens in the opening stanza. The Commanders ran just 17 plays in the first half, while San Francisco had 17 first downs.
Injury Concerns Mount for Both Sides
Terry McLaurin left the game late in the first quarter with a left knee injury. Medical staff placed an air cast on his leg and carted him off the field. Coach Dan Quinn later said the team feared a significant injury and planned further testing. McLaurin had one catch for 27 yards before exiting.
San Francisco also lost wide receiver Mike Evans before halftime to an Achilles issue. He finished with three catches for 94 yards and did not return.
Second-Half Rally Falls Just Short
Jayden Daniels sparked the Commanders after the break. He completed 29 of 40 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Daniels found Stefon Diggs for a one-yard score late in the third quarter to cut the lead to 23-10.
Early in the fourth, he connected with Rachaad White for a nine-yard touchdown that made it 23-17.
Washington drove deep into San Francisco territory again. On fourth down near the goal line with under two minutes left, safety Malik Mustapha broke up a pass intended for Treylon Burks. The Commanders forced a punt and got one final chance.
An intentional grounding penalty on Daniels created a 10-second runoff and left six seconds remaining. On the last play, the 49ers sacked Daniels to end the threat.
Washington outgained San Francisco after halftime but just could not quite overcome the early hole. The Commanders finished with 314 total yards to the 49ers’ 375.
Obviously San Francisco were expected to get the W and improved to 6-0.
What wasn’t so expected was Washington keeping it so close and being in it until the very last play.
Outlook
Still, the Commanders dropped to 1-4-1, and their season is in peril. Not just because of the record, but because injuries continue to mount.
McLaurin is likely lost for the season with a suspected / speculated patellar tendon rupture.
Javon Kinlaw also left with a knee injury and his status is unknown. He hobbled off the field with help from trainers, did not return for the second half. Kinlaw has had a very good season to date and would be a tough loss for the defensive front, if the injury is season-ending.
Looking Ahead After the Bye
The loss leaves the Commanders with plenty to address during their upcoming bye week.
Daniels showed strong production once the offense found rhythm, yet the early deficit and injuries proved too much to overcome on the road against a strong opponent.
Hopefully Washington can get a little healthier over the next two weeks, and go get a victory over the Eagles in Week 8.
Notes:
Good gambling advice for this game, from this week’s Betting Preview.
Get well Terry.