Niners LB Dre Greenlaw's appeal of suspension rejected, will sit vs. Commanders

ByNick WagonerESPN logo
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 3:24AM

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw's appeal of a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct was denied Tuesday.

The suspension was upheld by hearing officer James Thrash, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA. Greenlaw will sit out Monday night's game against the Washington Commanders and is eligible to return to the active roster the next day.

Greenlaw was suspended for a sideline dustup with multiple Seattle Seahawksduring the Niners' 32-29 win on Sunday. With 6:30 left in the first half, Greenlaw hit Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold late and out of bounds, then was involved in a skirmish in which he head-butted linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet.

The league's statement Monday said Greenlaw violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 of the NFL's rules, which applies to "any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship."

Greenlaw will serve his second one-game suspension in as many years. As a member of the Denver Broncos last season, Greenlaw received a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct when he ran toward referee Brad Allen during a game and, according to the ruling, "verbally threatened him."

Rookie Jaden Dugger, who filled in for Greenlaw against the Seahawks, is likely to start in Greenlaw's place Monday night.

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