San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) is hit by Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles (52) and Washington Commanders linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (45) and fumbles the ball during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images.
Washington Commanders linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson delivered a crucial defensive play Monday night, forcing San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey to fumble during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium.
With the 49ers leading 13-3, McCaffrey carried the ball as San Francisco looked to extend its advantage before halftime. However, Chaisson punched the football loose, allowing the Commanders to recover and end the possession.
The turnover gave the Commanders a much-needed defensive stop against an undefeated 49ers team that entered the matchup at 5-0.
ClutchPoints took to X, formerly Twitter, sharing footage of Chaisson's perfectly timed punch that knocked the ball loose from McCaffrey's grasp and gave Washington possession.
Christian McCaffrey fumbles it, and the Commanders get the ball back 😤 pic.twitter.com/gQiXPirkve
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 20, 2026
Washington’s forced fumble on Christian McCaffrey briefly slowed San Francisco, but the 49ers still entered halftime with a commanding 20-3 lead.
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After Chaisson’s punch-out and Frankie Luvu’s recovery in the second quarter, the Commanders could not capitalize. San Francisco answered with sustained drives, totaling 303 yards to Washington’s 90 while holding the ball for nearly 20 minutes. Brock Purdy finished the half 17-of-22 for 214 yards and a touchdown, and McCaffrey recovered from the turnover to score two rushing touchdowns, including a 1-yard plunge with 13 seconds left that capped a long 69-yard drive.
The Commanders' offense struggled to find its rhythm throughout the first half. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin suffered a knee injury in the first quarter and was carted off before being ruled out, leaving Jayden Daniels without his top target.
Daniels completed 7 of 10 passes for 88 yards, but Washington's only points came on a 51-yard field goal by Drew Stevens. A failed fourth-down conversion and multiple penalties further stalled the offense. Meanwhile, the 49ers have held a halftime lead in five of their six games this season.