Dre Greenlaw Ejected After Headbutting Seahawks Linebacker

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was ejected during a Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on October 11, 2026, after officials penalized him for a late hit on quarterback Sam Darnold and a subsequent headbutt involving Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV. The incident occurred in the second quarter at Seattle's sideline, with San Francisco leading 14-10.

According to ESPN, the confrontation began with 6:30 remaining in the first half. Darnold scrambled for 5 yards before stepping out of bounds, where Greenlaw delivered the late hit. After Jones and other Seahawks players approached Greenlaw, the two linebackers exchanged words before Greenlaw, still wearing his helmet, made contact with Jones' face while Jones was not wearing a helmet.

Officials intervened to break up the ensuing confrontation and announced Greenlaw's ejection. Rookie Jaden Dugger replaced Greenlaw at weakside linebacker, while veteran Luke Gifford moved into Dugger's previous strong-side position.

The ejection marked the third of Greenlaw's career. ESPN reported that he had previously been disqualified for a late hit on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert in 2022 and for a similar sideline confrontation during a 2023 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Former 49ers defensive lineman Ian Williams questioned the decision to eject only Greenlaw, arguing on X that Jones also contributed to the confrontation by approaching his opponent without a helmet.

"Ernest Jones should’ve been ejected as well!" Williams wrote during the game.

Williams elaborated on his criticism of Jones' conduct in the same exchange on social media.

"He stepped into Dre Greenlaw face taunting! Don’t step into someone’s face without a helmet!" Williams wrote.

Williams also defended Greenlaw's reaction, describing the intensity of the encounter and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

"Dre Greenlaw really about that life," Williams added.

He continued by describing the immediate aftermath of Greenlaw's tackle and the gathering of Seattle players around the San Francisco linebacker.

"Adrenaline on 1000. Just sprinted to make a tackle and got up around a sea of Seattle players talking [sh–], and one got in his face without his helmet and said something crazy. I’m not mad at Dre." Williams wrote.

During the broadcast, FOX Sports analyst Tom Brady also questioned whether Greenlaw's initial hit warranted a penalty beyond the late-hit call. Brady's comments focused on the physical nature of the rivalry between the two teams.

"It’s funny, because usually Dre Greenlaw isn’t in the middle of things," Brady said.

Brady expanded on his assessment of Greenlaw's reputation and the legality of the contact with Darnold.

"No love lost over there. And I never thought, as a Niner, you’d want to be in a body of Seahawks. But he and his compadres have no problem.

They have no fear. And I don’t think that’s an illegal hit at all." Brady said.

Greenlaw entered the matchup following another emotionally charged performance against the Denver Broncos the previous week. ESPN reported that he repeatedly shouted toward Denver's sideline and coach Sean Payton during San Francisco's victory. On October 10, the NFL fined Greenlaw $11,941 for unsportsmanlike conduct stemming from a taunt during the earlier game.

Before the Seattle matchup, 49ers tight end George Kittle had discussed the challenge of playing in front of a hostile crowd. He said the offense needed to improve after its previous meeting with the Seahawks.

"Our offense was not efficient last time we played them," Kittle said on October 8.

Kittle explained that San Francisco wanted to sustain offensive drives and limit the time its defense spent on the field.

"I think our defense did a great job when we were at home, and playoffs was whatever that was. So our goal is to go out there, score points, and keep our defense off the field. I don’t know if it’s any extra inspiration, but all I know is that it’s Seattle week." Kittle said.

He also described Seattle as one of his preferred road venues because of the intensity of the rivalry and the atmosphere created by the home crowd.

"We’re going to Seattle, one of my favorite stadiums to play in because of how much they don’t like us. It’s a fantastic fan base. It’s going to be super loud.

It’s our first real road game with an active crowd, or a crowd that’s fully against us. I couldn’t be looking more forward to it. We need to go make a statement and stay on the field as an offense."

Kittle said.