NFL Makes Final Decision on Sam Darnold Incident

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NFL Makes Final Decision on Sam Darnold Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 19, 2026 7:33 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw avoided a fine after his hit on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.

The latest NFC West rivalry matchup between the 49ers and Seahawks took place in Week 5 at Lumen Field.

San Francisco eked out a 32-29 road win to remain undefeated at 5-0. Star quarterback Brock Purdy led the offense, completing 19 of 29 passes for 189 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Meanwhile, Seattle’s QB1, Darnold, paced his team, completing 18 of 29 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

But in the second quarter, Darnold took a late hit from 49ers linebacker Greenlaw. Greenlaw shoved Darnold as the latter was stepping out of bounds on a five-yard scramble.

The incident led to a heated confrontation between Greenlaw and the Seattle bench. The 49ers LB was ultimately ejected after headbutting Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

Greenlaw has been ejected from the game for head butting a Seahawks player on the sideline who doesn’t have a helmet on pic.twitter.com/f5UweyFj6h
— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) October 11, 2026

The NFL did not fine Greenlaw for his hit on Darnold. The league released its weekly accountability report on Saturday, and the 29-year-old Arkansas product was omitted from the list.

Greenlaw avoided a potential $11,941 fine for his late hit under the 2026 NFL fines schedule.

However, the NFL suspended Greenlaw for one game without pay for headbutting a helmetless Jones during the ensuing confrontation. The NFL also denied his appeal.

Because of this suspension, Greenlaw will miss its Week 6 home game against the Washington Commanders on Monday.

San Francisco looks to keep its immaculate record intact without Greenlaw, who’s expected to return in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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