Greenlaw Ejected After Headbutting Helmetless Seahawks Linebacker

Key points

• Dre Greenlaw was ejected from the 49ers-Seahawks game with 6:04 left in the second quarter.
• The ejection followed a headbutt delivered to helmetless Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV on the sideline.
• The incident was preceded by a 15-yard late-hit penalty against Greenlaw on Sam Darnold.
• The 49ers were leading 14-10 at the time of the ejection.
• Greenlaw was fined $11,941 last week for taunting the Denver Broncos sideline.

Background

Greenlaw has been a central figure in the 49ers' defensive resurgence, leading the team with 12 tackles in a recent 24-14 victory against the Denver Broncos. He was highlighted as a key defensive anchor in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins. This ejection follows a previous incident in December 2023, where he was ejected for scuffling with an Eagles security officer, and a recent fine for taunting the Broncos sideline.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and Bleacher Report agree on the core facts: Greenlaw was ejected for headbutting Ernest Jones IV after a late hit on Sam Darnold. USA Today provides additional context, noting that the ejection was based on a new NFL rule allowing league officials in New York to disqualify players for off-field acts even if not flagged on the field. All sources confirm the 15-yard penalty and the 14-10 score at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

Greenlaw’s ejection removes a key defensive leader for the remainder of the game, potentially impacting the 49ers' defensive strategy. The incident highlights the NFL’s new enforcement rules regarding sideline conduct and may influence future disciplinary actions for similar off-field behaviors.

What to watch

The 49ers must manage their defense without Greenlaw for the rest of the game. The NFL may review the incident further, though the ejection was already enforced under the new rule. Greenlaw’s recent fine for taunting the Broncos sideline may be considered in any additional disciplinary reviews.