Dre Greenlaw won’t play for the 49ers next Monday night against the Washington Commanders, suspended one game after headbutting a Seahawks player who was not wearing a helmet during a win Sunday in Seattle.
Greenlaw headbutted Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV on the Seattle sideline during the second quarter. The scuffle began after Greenlaw bumped Sam Darnold as the quarterback reached the sideline on a scramble.
Jones was one of the Seattle players to confront Greenlaw, who lowered his helmet to bump Jones in the forehead and was ejected from the game.
The NFL announced the suspension Monday, citing the league’s right to punish players who display poor sportsmanship. Greenlaw has the right to appeal through the NFL Players’ Association.
Greenlaw had three tackles Sunday before being disqualified from the game. Jaden Dugger filled in for him and played fairly well, making nine tackles with his first career sack.
Coach Kyle Shanahan declined to address the headbutt in his postgame press conference and Greenlaw did not speak to media.
Greenlaw had been a significant presence in the first four games of the season, including last week when he had a season high of 12 tackles against the Denver Broncos, who released him last winter after luring him away from the 49ers with a three-year deal the prior offseason.
He shouted at Broncos coach Sean Payton after that game, showing his trademark fire, and was guided away toward the 49ers’ locker room.
Greenlaw, 29, is in his eighth season after being drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. He returned to the Niners in free agency this past offseason on a one-year, $7.5 million deal.
The former Arkansas star was ejected from a 2023 game in Philadelphia for a sideline incident with Eagles security officer Dom DiSandro and a 2022 game against the Los Angeles Chargers for a hit on Justin Herbert. He also was suspended last season for unsportsmanlike conduct toward an official, as the NFL said he verbally threatened referee Brad Allen.