Overview
- During the second quarter of the 49ers-Seahawks game on Sunday, Greenlaw was flagged for a late hit on Sam Darnold, moved into the Seattle bench area, and then headbutted helmetless linebacker Ernest Jones IV, leading to an on-field ejection.
- The NFL announced a one-game suspension without pay on Monday, citing Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 for unsportsmanlike conduct, and said Greenlaw would be eligible to return to the active roster on Oct. 20 if the ban is not overturned on appeal.
- League officials said the ejection followed a review by the Art McNally GameDay Central office, which can now consult with on-field crews about disqualifications based on broadcast replay and non-football acts.
- Greenlaw has multiple prior ejections and a previous one-game suspension, history that reporters say likely influenced both the league’s decision and the prospects for a successful appeal.
- San Francisco must plan for Week 6 without Greenlaw for Monday Night Football versus Washington, a change that forces depth-chart shifts at linebacker and removes his game check unless an appeal rescinds the suspension.