The San Francisco 49ers will face the Washington Commanders in Week 6 without one of their best players on defense.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw was suspended by the NFL for one game without pay for headbutting Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones on the Seahawks sideline after a late hit on Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold in the second quarter of the 49ers and Seahawks Week 5 matchup. Jones wasn't wearing a helmet. Greenlaw was ejected from the game.
Via the NFL's announcement:
During the second quarter, Greenlaw used his helmet to headbutt Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
Greenlaw will be eligible to return to the 49ers’ active roster on Tuesday, October 20, following the team’s October 19 game against the Washington Commanders.
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Greenlaw may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera, or James Thrash, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.
With Greenlaw on the sideline it was rookie LB Jaden Dugger who stepped in as the Will LB alongside Fred Warner. Dugger finished the game with a career-high nine tackles in his expanded role that included a career-high 47 defensive snaps.
Greenlaw will be out for the 49ers' Week 6 showdown with the Commanders on Monday Night Football. He'll be able to return when they visit the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers LB suspended for game vs. Commanders after Week 5 ejection