HC Sean McDermott to Make Changes at Running Back After Facing Heavy Criticism Over James Cook Usage

Santa Clara, California – January 3, 2026. Levi’s Stadium fell into a heavy silence as the final whistle sounded. The 13–3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks not only snapped the San Francisco 49ers’ winning momentum, but stripped them of the NFC West title and home-field advantage in the playoffs. As the stands slowly emptied, one moment on the field captured the attention of the entire NFL. According to multiple witnesses near the sideline, George Kittle was seen turning toward his teammates, raising his voice in visible frustration. His face was tense. His words were sharp. Then he turned away and walked straight into the tunnel without another look back. The image spread quickly — and was immediately interpreted by many as an emotional outburst after a crushing defeat. But the truth behind that moment was far more layered. In his postgame media session, Kittle clarified what was really behind the emotion. There was no finger-pointing. No personal criticism. Just the raw disappointment of a leader watching a massive opportunity slip away. “We lost at home to a division rival for the division and the one seed. That sucks. I hate losing. I hate losing to the Seahawks. But the good news is I get to play football next week.” On the field, Seattle controlled the game from start to finish. They limited Brock Purdy to 127 passing yards, held San Francisco to just 53 rushing yards, and applied constant pressure for all four quarters. Kittle, despite returning to the lineup, managed only five catches for 29 yards — a quiet night by his standards. What separated Kittle’s reaction from simple frustration was the message behind it. In the same media availability, the veteran tight end emphasized that the playoffs represent “a whole new season,” one in which the 49ers could regain key contributors like Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall. To Kittle, this loss wasn’t an ending — it was a wake-up call. “We’ve got a week to go to work. Hopefully we get some guys back. Whoever it is, whatever day it is, we’re going to play football.” Even when asked about the Seahawks celebrating their division title on the 49ers’ home field, Kittle showed no bitterness. He admitted openly that he would have done the same thing in their position — a rare moment of respect in one of the league’s most heated rivalries. Head coach Kyle Shanahan later echoed that sentiment, describing a locker room that was disappointed but steady. No chaos. No emergency meetings. Just a clear understanding that the road ahead would now be far more difficult. That context is what made Kittle’s sideline moment resonate. It wasn’t a loss of control — it was the reaction of a leader who refuses to accept complacency. On a night when the 49ers were beaten in every phase, Kittle responded the only way he knows how: by demanding more — from himself and from everyone around him. Levi’s Stadium closed the night in disappointment. But for George Kittle and the San Francisco 49ers, that surge of emotion wasn’t a sign of collapse. It was a reminder that their season isn’t over yet — and that the NFL may not have seen the final chapter of this team.