San Francisco, Calif. – The NFL announced Monday that 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended without pay for one game after a sideline head‑butt on Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV during Sunday’s 32‑29 win.
Incident on the field
Greenlaw, 29, was initially flagged for unnecessary roughness after he struck quarterback Sam Darnold when the Seahawks QB stepped out of bounds at the 47‑yard line. As Seahawks players moved in to protect Darnold, Greenlaw and Jones converged and went nose‑to‑nose. Greenlaw then head‑butted the helmetless Jones, prompting officials to intervene.
Referee Land Clark reviewed the play at the league’s Art McNally GameDay Central office in New York and immediately ejected Greenlaw. The league said the action violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers any conduct contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.
Suspension details
Under the one‑game suspension, Greenlaw will be ineligible for the 49ers’ next matchup on Oct. 20 against the Washington Commanders. He remains eligible to appeal the decision if he chooses.
Greenlaw’s contributions
Greenlaw is second on the 49ers with 37 tackles this season. This is his first year back with San Francisco after a season with the Denver Broncos. Over his career, he has compiled 535 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, four interceptions, 16 pass breakups and 4.5 sacks in 77 games (68 starts) with the 49ers (2019‑24; 2026) and Broncos.
Team response
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Greenlaw’s overall effort this season but emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline on the field. “We expect our players to compete hard and play within the rules of the game,” Shanahan said in a post‑game interview.
The 49ers organization will adjust its defensive rotation for the upcoming game while Greenlaw serves his suspension.
League context
The NFL has been strict in recent years about on‑field violence, especially incidents that occur away from the ball. This suspension aligns with the league’s ongoing effort to uphold sportsmanship and player safety.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
