Why 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw was fined $12,537 after San Francisco was upset by Falcons

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The NFL has fined San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw $12,537 over an incident involving Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London in their Week 7 29-20 loss, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday. The league penalized the 29-year-old for unnecessary roughness after an attempted forced fumble resulted in a punch to London’s helmet.

Greenlaw attempted to knock the football loose as London advanced with a reception from quarterback Michael Penix in the red zone. However, London ducked while securing possession, causing Greenlaw’s punch to connect with his helmet rather than the ball.

Although officials did not throw a flag during the play, the league reviewed the incident and subsequently issued its financial penalty. London left the game to undergo a concussion evaluation following the contact but was eventually cleared to return.

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This marks Greenlaw’s second fine of the 2026 season. Earlier in the season, he was fined $11,941 after exchanging taunts with the Denver Broncos’ sideline and head coach Sean Payton, who had been his former coach before the Broncos released him.

Greenlaw has also faced additional disciplinary action this year. He received a one-game suspension following a sideline confrontation with Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV during Week 5. Greenlaw headbutted Jones, who was not wearing a helmet at the time. Although he appealed the punishment, the NFL upheld its decision, forcing him to miss the team’s Week 6 meeting with the Washington Commanders.

Greenlaw’s disciplinary history also includes previous suspensions. He missed time after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and received another one-game suspension in 2025 following a confrontation with referee Brad Allen, whom he reportedly verbally threatened after a loss.

Meanwhile, Greenlaw was not the only San Francisco player penalized for his actions against the Falcons. Second-year running back Jordan James received a $6,194 fine for unnecessary roughness involving the use of his helmet.

Why 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw was

The 49ers now have their bye week before returning to action against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 8 at Levi’s Stadium.

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