The NFL has issued a $12,537 fine to San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw for unnecessary roughness during the team’s 29-20 Week 7 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the league penalized the 29-year-old after he struck wide receiver Drake London in the helmet while attempting to force a fumble. Although on-field officials did not throw a flag during the live broadcast, the league’s post-game review confirmed the violation, resulting in the immediate financial penalty.
NFL penalizes San Francisco star for unnecessary roughness in Week 7 upset loss to Atlanta
The incident occurred in the red zone when London secured a reception from quarterback Michael Penix. As London advanced, Greenlaw attempted to strip the ball but connected with the receiver’s helmet after London ducked to protect the football. The contact was severe enough to send London off the field for a concussion evaluation, though he was eventually cleared to return to the game. This specific play highlighted the high stakes of the matchup, as the 49ers struggled to contain Atlanta’s offensive surge in a critical divisional contest.
This marks Greenlaw’s second fine of the 2026 season, following an $11,941 penalty earlier in the year for exchanging taunts with the Denver Broncos’ sideline. The repeated disciplinary actions raise questions about the linebacker’s on-field discipline during a pivotal stretch of the schedule. For the 49ers, the fine is a minor financial setback, but the loss to the Falcons serves as a significant wake-up call as they look to stabilize their defense and regain momentum in the NFC West.
Source: Yahoo Sports
