Why did NFL suspend Dre Greenlaw? How long will the 49ers LB be out due to suspension? Explained

The San Francisco 49ers’ clash with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday saw a heated confrontation in the second quarter that resulted in linebacker Dre Greenlaw being ejected.

However, the NFL has taken further action over the incident, handing Greenlaw a one-game suspension, reported insider Adam Schefter.

How long is Dre Greenlaw suspended for?

As a result, Greenlaw will be unavailable for San Francisco’s Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Schefter reported that Greenlaw will not face any financial penalty as part of the suspension and can rejoin the 49ers’ active roster on Tuesday, October 20.

The league announced the suspension on Monday, stating that Greenlaw’s headbutt on a helmetless opponent during the 49ers’ 32-29 win over Seattle was “contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

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However, Schefter noted that Greenlaw has the option to appeal the suspension under the terms of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Why is Greenlaw suspended?

The incident unfolded after Greenlaw was flagged for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty for hitting Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold late. Darnold had scrambled for five yards and was heading out of bounds when Greenlaw shoved him again near the sideline.

The exchange spilled over to Seattle’s sideline, prompting several Seahawks players to gather around Darnold. Greenlaw subsequently engaged in a heated verbal confrontation with Seahawks middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

The situation took a more serious turn when Greenlaw headbutted Jones while still wearing his helmet, whereas the Seattle linebacker was standing on the sideline without his headgear. Jones was left bleeding following the headbutt.

Greenlaw’s history of disciplinary issues

Greenlaw has a history of disciplinary issues, having been ejected twice before during his NFL career.

In 2023, he was involved in a sideline altercation with Philadelphia Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro, while a helmet-to-helmet hit on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert resulted in his disqualification in 2022.

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The 29-year-old also served a one-game suspension last season while playing for Denver after berating an official following a victory over the New York Giants.

More recently, Greenlaw was fined $11,941 for taunting the Broncos’ sideline during a win last week.