San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw receives one‑game suspension after head‑butt incident
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was suspended for one game by the NFL on Oct. 12, 2026 after head‑butting Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet, during the second quarter of the Week 5 game at Lumen Field.
The league’s ruling came after Greenlaw was ejected for the hit and a subsequent scuffle on the sideline, prompting a 15‑yard personal‑foul penalty and a formal disciplinary review.
“He’s a ferocious competitor. And it’s great to have him on our side,” former 49ers general manager John Lynch said, noting head coach Kyle Shanahan’s nickname for Greenlaw, “Mike Tyson.”
Shanahan expressed disappointment in a press conference, stating, “I was disappointed they decided to do that … but you’ve got to deal with it.” The suspension will keep Greenlaw off the field for the upcoming Monday Night Football clash with the Washington Commanders, leaving the 49ers short at linebacker.
Greenlaw’s appeal was denied on Oct. 14, 2026, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter. The decision means the 49ers must adjust their defensive roster for the game, while backup linebacker Garrett Wallow also faces a hamstring injury that will sideline him for several weeks.
Greenlaw’s history includes previous discipline for a one‑game suspension last season after berating an official, a sideline altercation with Eagles security in 2023, and a helmet‑to‑helmet hit on Justin Herbert the season before. He was also fined nearly $12,000 for a social‑media taunt aimed at the Broncos earlier in the week.
The incident adds to a pattern of aggressive play that the NFL has been tightening against, particularly concerning head injuries and unhelmeted contact. The league emphasized that head‑butting an opponent without a helmet violates safety protocols and carries serious consequences.
San Francisco must now rely on remaining linebackers, including Fred Warner, to fill the gap while Greenlaw serves his suspension and awaits any further disciplinary action.
