49ers’ Shanahan: No hard feelings against Eagles’ security director; NFL investigating Greenlaw incident
The NFL is investigating Philadelphia head of security Dom DiSandro for a sideline incident with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw that led to the ejection of both men Sunday.
While a league source said Monday the league is gathering information on the scuffle that broke out in the third quarter of the 49ers’ 42-19 road win over the Eagles, it sounds as if coach Kyle Shanahan would be fine if the whole thing just went away.
“It was hard to accept Dre getting kicked out of the game for something that involved someone that didn’t have anything to do with the game,” Shanahan told Bay Area media by conference call. “But I definitely don’t have any hard feelings toward Dom or anything like that. I don’t want to go too hard on him.
“I think he got caught up in a weird situation, an emotional situation. I know a lot of people that speak very highly of him. I just couldn’t believe we lost our player because of it.”
Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni told reporters at his Monday press briefing that his postgame exchange with Shanahan did include an apology while at the same time standing by DiSandro.
“Dom is as good as they get in this business,” Sirianni said. “I’m so thankful for him. He is always going to try to defuse situations. That’s what he does. That’s his job. It was unfortunate. I know in Dom’s heart he was trying to defuse the situation. I am sad to what it came to that anybody got thrown out of the game.”
The postgame injury that bears the most watching is a knee injury from defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who was also dealing with a foot issue.
“He came in with that this morning and we’re still gathering more information,” Shanahan said.
Right guard Spencer Burford also has a knee injury but could be available this week, while reserve tight end Ross Dwelley has a high ankle sprain and will miss “a few weeks,” according to Shanahan. Rookie corner Darrell Luter has a hamstring strain and could miss this week.
Greenlaw was called for unnecessary roughness with about nine minutes left in the third quarter when he threw down Eagles wide receiver DaVonta Smith after a short completion. As Greenlaw and Smith exchanged words, DiSandro stepped between the two men and Greenlaw appeared to point at DiSandro and make slight contact with his face.
After officials deliberated, Greenlaw was assessed the penalty and both men were ejected, which left Shanahan livid on the 49ers’ sideline. Shanahan said he communicated with Greenlaw afterward.
“I talked to him before he left the field very quickly and then again after the game,” Shanahan said. “I heard it all and saw it all and it was like he told me.”
As for DiSandro, Shanahan said he has worked with coaches and players who speak highly of him.
“I don’t know him personally,” Shanahan said. “I don’t think it was that big of a deal and sometimes you’re in areas you shouldn’t be in and you get close to a player. I was upset our player got suspended over someone that had him kicked out of a game.
“I don’t think it’s nothing extraordinarily bad — he just shouldn’t be in that area. Stuff happens. I’m sure he regrets that, but I know he does a hell of a job for that organization and people speak very highly of him as a dude.”
Burford plays well: After giving way to Jon Feliciano because of a knee injury against Seattle with a knee injury against Seattle, Burford had one of his best games at right guard in a game in which the 49ers’ offensive line outplayed a previously dominant Eagles front.
There was consideration given to rotating the two players as the 49ers did a year ago in Burford’s rookie year with Daniel Brunskill. Burford, however, wound up playing every snap.
“He had a real good week of practice. We felt good about his tape,” Shanahan said. “We weren’t going in planning to keep Jon out, we were going to take it series by series. Spencer held his own, did a good job. We left it that way and thought he had a good game.”
Is Ertz a possibility?: With Ross Dwelley out, there’s a veteran tight end on the market with local ties who could be on the lookout for a team with playoff-run potential in former Monte Vista High and Stanford star Zach Ertz.
Ertz cleared waivers after being released by Arizona. A 12-year veteran with the Eagles and Cardinals, Ertz has 709 receptions for 7,434 yards and 46 touchdowns and this season had 27 catches for 197 yards and one score.
Shanahan had nothing to report on that front, although he sounded interested if general manager John Lynch decided to pick up the phone.
“I know John looks into all that stuff,” Shanahan said. “I haven’t heard anything so I wouldn’t think so at this time. But I have a lot of respect for him as a player. I’ve always been a fan. Right now, from our standpoint, I’m good with our group, but we have injuries and things change so we’ll look at all options as always.”
The Eagles, who Monday signed former Indianapolis linebacker Shaquille Leonard, are reportedly interested in bringing Ertz back.