Updated
The San Francisco 49ers' Dre Greenlaw has been suspended for one game without pay after headbutting Seattle Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV during Sunday's NFC West showdown between two NFLjuggernauts.
The confrontation occurred with 6:30 remaining in the first half, when Greenlaw hit Sam Darnold late and out of bounds before becoming embroiled in a sideline altercation with Jones.
Angel Reese leaves NFL fans wanting more after showing off her arm at Ravens-Falcons game
In the scuffle, Greenlaw headbutted Jones whilst the Seahawks linebacker was not wearing a helmet, escalating the incident into a brawl as officials rushed to intervene.
Greenlaw was ejected and now finds himself suspended as the NFL disciplined the linebacker under Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which prohibits conduct that violates the league's accepted standards of sportsmanship.
Additionally, his previous suspension adds to the scrutiny surrounding his conduct as when with the Denver Broncos, he received a one-game ban after an incident involving referee Brad Allen, with the league ruling that he had “verbally threatened him.”
Unless his appeal succeeds, he will miss San Francisco's October 19 matchup against the Washington Commanders, and Sunday’s ejection marked the third of Greenlaw’s career.
He was also disqualified for a late hit on the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in 2022 and was involved in a sideline altercation during San Francisco’s 2023 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Additionally, Greenlaw had also been fined $11,941 the previous week for repeatedly shouting toward Denver’s sideline and coach Sean Payton – and the latest punishment places further pressure on San Francisco as the 49ers aim to maintain their unbeaten start.
Super Bowl champions fall to 49ers in blockbuster NFC West clash
On the field, San Francisco secured a dramatic 32-29 victory over Seattle, improving to 5-0 and gaining revenge for last season’s playoff defeat as the defending Super Bowl champions had taken the lead in the second half, but could not hold off the 49ers.
Brock Purdy connected repeatedly with Mike Evans on the decisive scoring drive, including a 28-yard completion on second-and-21 as the quarterback then found Brandin Cooks for a touchdown before leading another possession that set up Eddy Pineiro’s winning field goal.
The Seahawks had another chance to rescue their day at the Levi’s Stadium, yet star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba dropped a third-down pass before Cooper Kupp was stopped short on fourth down.
The contest featured seven combined turnovers, with San Francisco’s defense making crucial contributions.
The 49ers capitalized on Seattle mistakes early, including Gracen Halton’s fumble recovery in the end zone, before surviving the Seahawks’ second-half comeback to preserve their perfect record.