The undefeated San Francisco 49ers have weathered the storm well heading into their Monday night tilt with the Washington Commanders. But sometimes, things can be out of an organization's control. That's why we won't see one of San Francisco's big-name defenders play on Monday.
You see, starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw is currently serving a one-game suspension, which is why he won't play against the Commanders. Now, why did Greenlaw get suspended, you might ask?
In the midst of a heated fracas with the rival Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, Greenlaw headbutted a helmet-less Ernest Jones IV in the face. That is, quite obviously, very dangerous and also against NFL rules. It certainly warrants disciplinary action in the form of suspension for any player.
Here's a clip of the forgettable sequence for Greenlaw and the 49ers:
Here is the play that resulted in 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw being suspended for next Monday night’s game vs. the Commanders (📺 @NFLonFOX): https://t.co/WRbRQl58qApic.twitter.com/7gnQYbBixb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 12, 2026
If there's any consolation for the 49ers, they should be just fine on defense without one of their starting linebackers. It's not as if the Commanders have been lighting it on fire on offense this year. A good game-plan might be enough to help lead San Francisco to another win. Still, they have to hope Greenlaw matures a bit moving forward, or they risk paying the price for his antics in a much bigger game.
Who is Dre Greenlaw's backup on the 49ers
Technically speaking, the 49ers are actually down to their third-string linebacker with both Greenlaw and Greenlaw's primary backup, Garrett Wallow, out. That means rookie fifth-round draft pick Jaden Dugger is expected to make his first career NFL start on Monday night.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why did Dre Greenlaw get suspended by the NFL for Monday night's game?