The NFL suspended San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw for one game after he head-butted Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV. The incident occurred during a 32-29 win on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
The NFL has suspended San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw for one game following an incident in which he head-butted Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV. The suspension was issued on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, after the league determined the action was "contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship."
The altercation took place during the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, which San Francisco won 32-29. According to AP News, Greenlaw was penalized for a late hit on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold after Darnold had gone out of bounds. Several Seahawks defenders confronted Greenlaw following the penalty, and Greenlaw responded by head-butting Jones, who was not wearing a helmet at the time.
Jones was bleeding after the hit, and Greenlaw was ejected from the game. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Jones "came away no worse for the wear."
Greenlaw will miss the 49ers’ upcoming Monday night game against Washington. An appeal hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed disappointment with the league's decision but acknowledged the need to move forward.
"I was disappointed they decided to do that. But it is what it is," Shanahan said. "Hopefully the appeal process can go better tomorrow and we can get it rescinded. But I’ll wait to see how that goes."
Shanahan also noted that Greenlaw had been "baited" by the Seahawks during the confrontation. Fellow linebacker Fred Warner, who attempted to intervene, stated, "He’s helpless in that situation, he’s all by himself on their sideline, and of course they are trying to gang up on him. … But we know we have to be smart in all those situations, and I thought Dre tried for the most part. But it’s just an unfortunate situation."
This suspension adds to Greenlaw’s history of disciplinary issues. He has been ejected two other times in his career:
Additionally, Greenlaw was fined $11,941 for taunting the Broncos’ sideline in a game the previous week. Following his ejection on Sunday, Greenlaw posted on Instagram, "Yall [sic] just a money stealing organization," tagging the NFL. He subsequently deleted the post.
The suspension removes a key defensive player from the 49ers' lineup as they prepare to face Washington. Greenlaw has recorded 37 tackles in five games this season. The team is also dealing with an injury to second-string linebacker Garrett Wallow, who suffered a hamstring injury and will be out for several weeks. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether Greenlaw can return for the next game or if the suspension stands.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
SportsTrending
Bobby Gould, a winger for the Washington Capitals for eight seasons, has died at age 69. He played 600 games for the franchise and scored the first playoff goal in team history.
SportsTrending
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Ryan Johnson from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch. The move helps Pittsburgh reduce its contract count while Buffalo gains veteran depth.
