NFL Suspends Dre Greenlaw After Seahawks Sideline Headbutt

The NFL suspended San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw for one game after he was ejected during a 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks for headbutting linebacker Ernest Jones IV on the sideline.

According to the NFL, the punishment followed a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers unsportsmanlike acts. Greenlaw was also suspended without pay, according to Fox News.

The incident occurred in the second quarter after Greenlaw pushed Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold out of bounds near Seattle's sideline. Jones approached Greenlaw, who then made helmet-to-helmet contact with the linebacker, causing Jones to seek medical attention for bleeding, according to Fox News.

Greenlaw will appeal the suspension, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport. The appeal will be handled by Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera, or James Thrash under the collective bargaining agreement.

The suspension could keep Greenlaw out of San Francisco's Week 6 game against the Washington Commanders. According to Fox News, he is eligible to return to the active roster on Oct. 20 after the team's Oct. 19 matchup.

Greenlaw's ejection did not prevent the 49ers from defeating Seattle. According to game details reported by Bleacher Report, San Francisco won after Eddy Pineiro made a 44-yard field goal following a fourth-quarter tie.

Tom Brady addressed the sideline collision while working as a broadcaster for the game. He initially criticized the penalty on Greenlaw's hit against Darnold before later acknowledging the headbutt incident.

"I don't think that's an illegal hit at all. I know they might call a penalty, but Dre Greenlaw's on a full sprint to make sure Darnold's not gaining anywhere close to the first down mark, which is exactly what Darnold's doing. And then it's a little nudge out of bounds and Darnold with the acting," said Tom Brady, NFL analyst.

Brady later commented on the broader changes in football rules during the broadcast. His remarks came after reviewing the late hit and the subsequent sideline confrontation.

"Football has changed so much. I know it's a little late as that foot comes down, but I like that Niners are trying — ooh my goodness, I didn't see that," said Tom Brady, NFL analyst.

Greenlaw has previously received discipline from the NFL, including a one-game suspension in the previous season for unsportsmanlike conduct, according to NBC Sports. The linebacker now awaits the outcome of his appeal hearing.