The 49ers’ defense is going to have to keep moving without one of its key voices in the middle. Dre Greenlaw’s appeal of his one-game suspension was denied Tuesday, meaning he’ll miss Monday Night Football against the Washington Commanders on Oct. 19 at Levi’s Stadium.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the decision, and hearing officer James Thrash - jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association - upheld the ban. Greenlaw was already facing discipline after the sequence that turned San Francisco’s 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks into one of the ugliest moments of the weekend.
It happened late in the first half at Lumen Field. With 6:23 left in the second quarter and the 49ers leading 14-10, Greenlaw was penalized for a late hit on Sam Darnold after the quarterback scrambled toward the Seattle sideline.
Things escalated immediately after, with several Seahawks confronting Greenlaw. He then headbutted linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet and was left bleeding.
Greenlaw was ejected on the spot.
The NFL announced the suspension Monday and cited Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers acts “contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.” Greenlaw will not be paid for the game he misses.
This wasn’t Greenlaw’s first run-in with the league. He was suspended one game in 2025 while with the Denver Broncos after aggressively pursuing an official following a game-winning field goal. Sunday’s ejection was also at least the third of his career.
San Francisco brought Greenlaw back in March on a one-year, $7.5 million deal after Denver let him go following one season. He played only eight games for the Broncos in 2025.
Now the 49ers have to replace production and presence in the middle of the field. Through five games, Greenlaw has piled up 37 tackles and forced a fumble.
Even with him gone for most of Sunday’s game, the 49ers kept their perfect record intact. Brock Purdy drove two late scoring possessions, Eddy Pineiro knocked through a 43-yard field goal with 1:56 left to put San Francisco ahead, and Malik Mustapha stopped Cooper Kupp a yard short on fourth down to finish it.
The 49ers are 5-0, and Greenlaw will be eligible to return for Week 7.
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