Dre Greenlaw Suspended One Game for Headbutt Against Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has received a one-game suspension from the NFL for unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty stems from an incident during the second quarter of the Week 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks, where Greenlaw was ejected for headbutting Seahawks center Ernest Jones IV on the sideline.

The league announced the suspension on Monday afternoon. Greenlaw will miss the 49ers' upcoming Monday Night Football matchup against the Washington Commanders. He will be eligible to return to the active roster on Tuesday, October 20.

Under the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement, Greenlaw has the option to appeal the suspension. Such an appeal would be reviewed by jointly appointed hearing officers from the NFL and the NFL Players Association.

Greenlaw's ejection occurred after a late hit on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. As tensions escalated and Seahawks players surrounded Greenlaw, an exchange with Jones turned physical. Greenlaw, still wearing his helmet, delivered a headbutt to Jones, who was not wearing his helmet at the time. This retaliation led to Greenlaw's immediate ejection.

Luke Gifford replaced Greenlaw in the game. The 15-yard penalty from Greenlaw's initial infraction contributed to Seattle's ability to kick a field goal, narrowing the 49ers' lead to 14-13 just before halftime.

This is not the first time Greenlaw has been ejected from a game. He was also sent off during a December 3, 2023, game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In that instance, he scuffled with Eagles chief security officer Dom DiSandro after a penalty and contact with DiSandro's face. Greenlaw was fined $11,941 for unsportsmanlike conduct during a previous game against the Denver Broncos.