Overview
- On Sunday, October 11, Greenlaw was flagged for a late hit on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and then headbutted linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet, prompting an on‑field ejection.
- Officials used a 2026 rule that lets league personnel consult with on‑field crews about disqualifications, with the replay review leading to Greenlaw being removed from the game.
- 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan publicly criticized the act as unacceptable and said the team must be smarter, while the ejection forced San Francisco to play the rest of the divisional game without a starting linebacker.
- The NFL announced Greenlaw was fined $11,941 for taunting the Broncos in Week 4, and his prior fines, ejections and a 2025 suspension increase the chance of additional league discipline after this incident.
- If the league levies further punishment, it could include fines or a suspension under the 2026 penalty guidelines, and the ruling will affect both Greenlaw’s availability and the 49ers’ defensive plans going forward.