Published October 11, 2026 09:00 PM
The 5-0 49ers had to play without linebacker Dre Greenlaw for more than two quarters. Next Monday night against the Commanders, they could be missing him for all four quarters.
Greenlaw’s ejection for head-butting Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (who wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time) could result in a suspension.
The NFL will review the situation on Monday for potential discipline. And that discipline could include preventing Greenlaw from playing in Week 6.
The play itself was inherently unsafe. While not the same as the time when then-Browns defensive end Myles Garrett struck still-Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with his own helmet, striking someone who isn’t wearing a helmet in the head with a helmet should be a bright line, when it comes to discipline.
Then there’s Greenlaw’s history. He has now been ejected three times. In 2022, Greenlaw was sent to the showers prematurely for an illegal hit on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. In 2023, Greenlaw was tossed after a sideline incident that first introduced a national audience to the legend known widely as Big Dom.
Last year, Greenlaw was suspended for one game, as a result of his post-game interactions with referee Brad Allen following a game between the Giants and the Broncos, for whom Greenlaw played in 2025. And, just last week, Greenlaw had some harsh post-game words for Denver coach Sean Payton after a Broncos-49ers game. (Greenlaw was fined for taunting during the game.)
If a suspension will be imposed, it likely will happen on Monday. An expedited appeal would follow.