Velus Jones Jr. got his playoff moment Saturday. The Seahawks elevated the third-round running back from their practice squad for the divisional round matchup with the 49ers. Seattle demolished San Francisco 41-6 in a dominant playoff statement.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Game Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle
- Final Score: Seahawks 41, 49ers 6 after dominant defensive and offensive performance
- Jones Elevation: Announced January 17 at 1:15 PM PST as third running back depth
- Career Background: Third-round 2022 Bears draft pick with 37 NFL games, exceptional speed athlete
A Playoff Opportunity for Velus Jones Jr.
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Velus Jones Jr. faced a winding career path. The Chicago Bears drafted him in 2022 in the third round. Jones featured exceptional athleticism and 99th percentile speed testing from college. His journey led him through the New Orleans Saints before joining Seattle’s practice squad in October.
The 6-foot, 200-pound playmaker appeared in three games during the regular season. He carried four times for 32 yards while seeing opportunities on both offense and special teams. Saturday’s elevation gave him a chance at playoff football when it matters most.
Kenneth Walker III Leads Seahawks Rushing Attack
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Kenneth Walker III anchored Seattle’s ground game throughout the season. The dynamic back rushed 221 times for 1,027 yards and caught 31 of 36 targets for 282 receiving yards. Walker’s explosive running style powered the no. 1 seed offense all year.
Zach Charbonnet served as the complementary back, carrying 184 times for significant yardage. The two-back committee gave Seattle versatility and durability. Both backs will be critical for the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams on January 25.
Seahawks Dominate 49ers in Divisional Round Blowout
The Seahawks made an immediate statement against San Francisco. Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kick 95 yards for a touchdown just 13 seconds into the game. Seattle’s defense suffocated the 49ers offense throughout the night.
| Category | Seattle | San Francisco |
| Final Score | 41 | 6 |
| Key Running Back | Kenneth Walker III | Limited impact |
| Defensive Tone | Dominant, fast start | Overwhelmed |
| Next Opponent | LA Rams NFL Championship | Season ends |
“The Seahawks elevated running back Velus Jones Jr. from the practice squad on Saturday, adding running back depth ahead of their divisional round playoff game against the 49ers.”
— Seattle Seahawks Official, January 17, 2026
Building Depth for the Championship Push
Practice squad elevations are critical in the playoffs. Teams use them tactically to add depth at crucial positions. Jones’ elevation signaled the Seahawks commitment to backfield depth during their playoff run. With Walker and Charbonnet leading the charge, Jones provided insurance.
Running back injuries happen fast in football. Having a third option with speed and athleticism became essential as Seattle aimed for a Super Bowl run. The elevation required no salary cap impact while improving tactical options.
Can Seattle’s Dominant Offense Continue Against Los Angeles?
The 41-point victory over San Francisco demonstrated Seattle’s explosive ceiling. No. 1 seed Seahawks face the Rams next, a team they know well from the NFC West. Will Seattle’s rushing offense maintain this dominance? The Rams’ defense presents a stiffer challenge than the beleaguered 49ers offense.
Velus Jones Jr.’s playoff opportunity came at the perfect moment. He joined a team peaking at the right time, with playoff momentum building heading into championship week. The NFC Championship Game kicks off January 25 with everything on the line.
Sources
- Seattle Seahawks Official – Velus Jones Jr. elevation announcement and playoff game details
- ESPN – Seahawks 41-6 victory box score and playoff statistics
- NFL.com – NFC Divisional Round playoff bracket and championship schedule
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.