NFL suspends 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw for head-butting Ernest Jones IV
The NFL suspended San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw for one game without pay on Monday after he head-butted Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV during the 49ers’ 32-29 victory over Seattle on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the second quarter after Greenlaw delivered a late hit on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold as he went out of bounds. The hit resulted in a personal foul, and several Seattle players confronted Greenlaw. During the ensuing altercation, Greenlaw head-butted Jones, who was not wearing a helmet. Greenlaw was subsequently ejected from the game.
The NFL cited a violation of its sportsmanship rules in announcing the suspension. According to the league, Greenlaw’s actions violated a rule prohibiting conduct contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Greenlaw is appealing the league’s decision. If the suspension is upheld, he will miss San Francisco’s Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Monday, Oct. 19. Under the current suspension, he would be eligible to return to the 49ers’ active roster on Oct. 20.
This is Greenlaw’s second one-game suspension in as many seasons.
In 2025, while playing for the Denver Broncos, he was suspended after chasing referee Brad Allen and verbally threatening him following a victory over the New York Giants.
Greenlaw has also been involved in other on-field incidents. In 2022, he was ejected following a helmet-to-helmet hit on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. In 2023, he was involved in a sideline altercation with Philadelphia Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro.
Greenlaw’s appeal will determine whether he is available for San Francisco’s upcoming matchup against Washington.
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