Greenlaw appeals one-game suspension for head-butt in 49ers-Seahawks game

Dre Greenlaw is appealing the one-game suspension the NFL issued Monday after the 49ers linebacker head-butted Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV during Sunday’s game, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.

The league’s penalty would keep Greenlaw out of San Francisco’s October 19 game against Washington. He would be eligible to return to the active roster October 20. The appeal leaves the final disciplinary outcome open.

Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 32-29 win. After hitting quarterback Sam Darnold late near the Seattle sideline, he was confronted by Seahawks defenders and struck Jones, who was not wearing a helmet. The NFL cited its rule against conduct contrary to sportsmanship in announcing the suspension.

The FOX broadcast captured the confrontation that led to the ejection. The disciplinary announcement follows that on-field incident.

The consequence extends beyond the personal-foul penalty San Francisco absorbed during the game. A suspension would remove a linebacker who has recorded 37 tackles through five games from San Francisco’s next matchup.

Greenlaw returned to the 49ers this season after playing for Denver in 2025. He served a one-game suspension last season for berating an official after a Broncos win over the Giants. The league also fined him $11,941 for taunting Denver’s sideline in San Francisco’s win last week.

The current case concerns a separate act during the Seattle game. The league’s announcement and Rapoport’s appeal report describe the two steps taken Monday. No reduction or reversal has been announced.

San Francisco’s next game is another Monday night appearance, this time at home against the Commanders. Under the announced penalty, Greenlaw is scheduled to miss that game.

Sources

NFL.com: Greenlaw suspended one game · NBC Sports: appeal and jointly appointed hearing officers