San Francisco 49ers Defeat Washington Commanders to Reach 6-0

The San Francisco 49ers secured a 23-17 victory against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, improving their record to an unblemished 6-0 to start the 2026 NFL season. Playing at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, San Francisco built a commanding 20-3 lead by halftime before holding off a second-half surge from Washington.

The opening half showcased the dominant form that has characterized the 49ers' early season. Quarterback Brock Purdy guided the offense smoothly, while wide receiver Mike Evans contributed a game-high 94 receiving yards on three catches. However, the momentum shifted dramatically after intermission when Evans was forced to exit the game due to an Achilles injury.

Capitalizing on the absence of San Francisco's top target, the Commanders ramped up their defensive pressure. Washington increased its blitz rate from 25 percent in the first half to 70 percent in the second half, stalling the 49ers' offense and holding them to just a single field goal after the break. Meanwhile, Washington mounted a comeback with two touchdowns, though San Francisco successfully protected its lead until the final whistle.

The hard-fought win came with significant personnel costs for both franchises. In addition to Evans' Achilles injury, the Commanders suffered a devastating blow when star wide receiver Terry McLaurin sustained a season-ending patellar tendon tear in his knee during the matchup. McLaurin finishes the campaign with 15 receptions for 230 yards and a touchdown across five games.

Despite mounting injuries, San Francisco's roster depth was bolstered by standout performances from its rookie class. Linebacker Jaden Dagger recorded a team-high 11 tackles filling in for the injured Dre Greenlaw, while defensive lineman Grayson Holton added a sack for the second consecutive week. Fellow rookie defensive end Lamelo Height contributed a game-high four quarterback hits and a crucial sack on the game's final play.

Following the conclusion of the contest, roster adjustments began immediately in the Bay Area. The 49ers announced the release of veteran defensive tackle Naquan Jones on Tuesday afternoon to free up a roster spot as healthier players prepare to return from the injured list. Jones had appeared in three games for San Francisco after being claimed off the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.

With the victory secured, the 49ers stand alone as the only undefeated team in the NFL as they look ahead to a Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, the Commanders face a challenging road ahead as they must navigate the remainder of the season without their primary offensive weapon, Terry McLaurin.