The San Francisco 49ers will be without one of their defensive leaders when they put their unbeaten record on the line next week. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s appeal of his one-game suspension was denied on Tuesday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported.

Hearing officer James Thrash, who is jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, upheld the ban, ruling Greenlaw out for Monday Night Football against the Washington Commanders on Oct. 19 at Levi’s Stadium.

The suspension stems from an ugly sequence in San Francisco’s 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Lumen Field. With 6:23 left in the second quarter and the 49ers up 14-10, Greenlaw was flagged for a late hit on Sam Darnold after the quarterback scrambled toward the Seattle sideline.

Several Seahawks confronted Greenlaw after the play, and he headbutted linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet and was left bleeding. Greenlaw was ejected on the spot.

The NFL announced the suspension on Monday, citing Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers acts “contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.” Greenlaw will not be paid for the game he misses.

It is not the first time Greenlaw has drawn the league’s attention. He was suspended one game in 2025 while with the Denver Broncos for aggressively pursuing an official after a game-winning field goal. Sunday’s ejection was also at least the third of his career.

Greenlaw returned to San Francisco in March on a one-year, $7.5 million deal after the Broncos released him following one season. He played in only eight games for Denver in 2025.

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His absence leaves a sizable hole in the middle of the defense. Through five games, Greenlaw has recorded 37 tackles and a forced fumble.

Even without him for most of Sunday’s game, the 49ers found a way to stay perfect. Brock Purdy led two late scoring drives, Eddy Pineiro hit a 43-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining for the go-ahead points, and Malik Mustapha stopped Cooper Kupp a yard short on fourth down to seal it.

San Francisco is now 5-0, and Greenlaw will be eligible to return for the 49ers’ Week 7 matchup after serving his suspension.