Dre Greenlaw’s latest run-in with the league will cost him at least one game, and maybe more if his appeal doesn’t get traction.
The NFL suspended the 49ers linebacker one game without pay Monday for unsportsmanlike conduct after he headbutted Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV during San Francisco’s 32-29 Week 5 win at Lumen Field.
The sequence in Seattle started with Sam Darnold scrambling out of bounds and getting hit late by Greenlaw, who was flagged for a personal foul on the play. Things escalated fast from there.
Several Seahawks defenders came over near Seattle’s sideline, and Jones - who was not wearing a helmet - got into it with Greenlaw. Jones appeared to push at Greenlaw’s facemask, and Greenlaw answered by headbutting him in the face.
Jones was bleeding after the contact, and Greenlaw was thrown out of the game.
The league said the move violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which deals with conduct that goes against the generally understood principles of sportsmanship. After the game, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he felt Seattle baited Greenlaw into the confrontation.
Greenlaw is appealing the suspension, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, citing a source. If the appeal is heard, one of the NFL and NFLPA jointly appointed hearing officers - Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera or James Thrash - will decide it.
If the suspension is upheld, Greenlaw will sit out San Francisco’s Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Monday night, Oct. 19, and would be eligible to return to the active roster on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
This isn’t Greenlaw’s first discipline issue. It’s the second suspension of his career and the third ejection.
He was also suspended one game in 2025 while with the Denver Broncos after the NFL ruled he chased referee Brad Allen and verbally threatened him as Allen tried to leave the field following Denver’s 33-32 win over the New York Giants. That suspension was upheld on appeal and cost Greenlaw a game check of $192,778.
Last week, the NFL also fined Greenlaw $11,941 for unsportsmanlike conduct after he repeatedly yelled at the Broncos’ sideline and head coach Sean Payton during a San Francisco win.
The 49ers are expected to learn the result of Greenlaw’s appeal before they play the Commanders, but until then his status for Week 6 is up in the air.
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