NFL Suspends 49ers’ Dre Greenlaw After On-Field Altercations

Dre Greenlaw, a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, has been suspended for one game without pay following his actions during a recent game against the Seattle Seahawks. This announcement from the NFL came less than 24 hours after Greenlaw’s conduct on the field.

During the game, Greenlaw was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct following an incident where he hit Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold as Darnold was going out of bounds. The situation escalated when Greenlaw, enveloped by Seahawks players, headbutted Ernest Jones, who was not wearing his helmet at the time.

Greenlaw’s suspension means he will not participate in the upcoming game against the Washington Commanders, but he will be eligible to return to the active roster on October 20. There is an option for Greenlaw to appeal the suspension under the collective bargaining agreement, although it is unclear whether he will pursue this course. Appeals in such cases are typically heard by one of several appointed hearing officers who are former NFL players.

This incident is not the first time Greenlaw has faced disciplinary action. He has a history of emotional reactions leading to fines and suspensions. Notably, Greenlaw was fined last week for taunting during a game against the Denver Broncos, and in 2023, was disqualified after an altercation with the Philadelphia Eagles’ head of security. In 2025, while with the Denver Broncos, he was suspended for verbally threatening a referee post-game in violation of league rules prohibiting abusive or insulting gestures towards officials.

These events add to the challenges for the 49ers, who have experienced other suspensions this season, including one involving team owner Jed York for a personal conduct policy violation. Greenlaw’s recurring conduct issues contribute to his perception as a volatile presence on the field.