49ers LB Dre Greenlaw ejected for hit on Justin Herbert
On third-and-6 at San Francisco’s 40, Herbert scrambled up the middle to evade pressure. As he attempted to dive forward, Niners safety Jimmie Ward hit him from behind, jolting him into Greenlaw, who was closing in from Herbert’s right.
Greenlaw’s helmet collided with Herbert’s as the quarterback went down at the Niners’ 35. Officials immediately threw a flag for the hit but spent a few moments deliberating before opting to enforce the penalty and eject Greenlaw.
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan argued with the officials after the call. Herbert went to the sideline and entered the blue tent to be evaluated for a head injury as backup Chase Daniel handled the Chargers’ final three offensive snaps of the half.
Herbert, who was 14-of-21 for 161 yards with a touchdown when he exited, returned in the second half.
Greenlaw, who was in his first game back from a calf injury, led the Niners with seven tackles at the time of his ejection.