Greenlaw’s appeal is denied; 49ers linebacker will miss Washington game

Dre Greenlaw’s one-game suspension will stand after his appeal, leaving the 49ers without the linebacker for their October 19 game against Washington. Hearing officer James Thrash upheld the penalty Tuesday, NFL senior vice president of football and international communications Michael Signora announced.

San Francisco had already learned Monday that Greenlaw was suspended for the confrontation with Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV. The appeal offered a chance for that penalty to change; Tuesday’s ruling leaves the one-game absence in place.

The NFL’s Tuesday news roundup also confirms that Greenlaw’s suspension was upheld. He is eligible to return to the active roster October 20, according to the reporting on Signora’s announcement. This is a resolved appeal, rather than a new or additional suspension.

Greenlaw will miss the Washington game. The announcement does not establish another absence after that matchup or change any other player’s disciplinary status.

The underlying incident occurred during Sunday’s game against Seattle. Greenlaw was ejected after the head-butt of Jones, who was not wearing a helmet. The league imposed the suspension the next day, and Thrash heard the appeal Tuesday, Associated Press reporter Josh Dubow reported.

the on-field ejection, the initial suspension and the appeal ruling are separate steps concerning the same incident. Tuesday’s decision confirms the penalty that had remained subject to appeal.

Greenlaw returned to San Francisco this season after playing for Denver in 2025. His upcoming absence is now confirmed through the disciplinary process, allowing the 49ers and fantasy owners to prepare for one game without him. His stated eligibility to return is October 20; the ruling does not promise a particular snap count when he is back.

Sources

Greenlaw appeal ruling · NBC Sports Bay Area: Greenlaw return eligibility · Josh Dubow/AP explains appeal decision