San Francisco 49ers lost one its defensive leaders during their Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw was assessed a 15-yard penalty for a late hit on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold with 6 minutes, 23 seconds left in the second quarter. Darnold rushed for five yards and was heading out of bounds when Greenlaw gave him an extra shove.
The play ended on the Seahawks' sideline and Seattle players came to the aid of their quarterback. On the sideline, Greenlaw and Seahawks middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV exchanged words and Greenlaw, with his helmet on, delivered a headbutt to Jones, who was on the sideline without a helmet on.
Greenlaw was ejected from the Niners' contest with their NFC division-rival.
The 49ers led 14-10 at the time of the stoppage.
Video of Dre Greenlaw headbutt, ejection
What do the NFL rules say about ejections?
According to the league rules, Greenlaw wasn't ejected for the late-hit penalty, but for the extracurriculars with Jones.
The league passed a new rule this year that allows league officials in New York to eject guys even if they didn't get flagged for something off the field. That's what transpired in Seattle.
League personnel may consult with on-field officials when considering a player's potential disqualification for both flagrant football and non-football acts, even if the act isn't called on the field, under Rule 19-2 of the NFL handbook.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers Dre Greenlaw ejected after headbutting Seahawks player
