Seahawks' Derick Hall suspended one game for play in win against Rams

Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times on Dec 19, 2025

Published in Football

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SEATTLE — Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall has been suspended for one game without play by the NFL for what the league called an “act of unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct” during Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks rallied to win the game, 38-37 in overtime.

A news release from the league stated: “During the first quarter, Hall unnecessarily stepped on the leg of Rams guard Kevin Dotson at the end of a play while he was on the ground, violating Rule 12, Section 2, Article 8, which prohibits unnecessary roughness and Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to unsportsmanlike conduct, including “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

The news release stated: “Hall will be eligible to return to the Seahawks’ active roster on Monday, Dec. 29, following the team’s Dec. 28 game against the Carolina Panthers.”

The release noted that “under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Hall may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.’’

ESPN reported that Hall plans to appeal the suspension.

The NFL’s release did not state the specific play for which Hall is being suspended.

But Dotson left the game following a play with 2:12 to go in the first quarter with an ankle injury and did not return.

On the play, Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw a five-yard pass to receiver Puka Nacua to the Seattle 1-yard line on third-and-goal. A replay shows that after the play as Hall disengaged from Rams right tackle Warren McClendon Jr., who was blocking him, he stepped over Dotson — who as on the ground — but as he did so stepped on Dotson with his left foot.

Several Rams saw the incident and took offense, notably center Coleman Shelton — a former All-Pac-12 player at the University of Washington — who pushed Hall in the chest.

No penalty flags were thrown on the play.

One report stated that Dotson, the Rams’ starting right guard, was seen leaving the stadium on crutches and in a walking boot.

Hall, a third-year rush end for the Seahawks, has played in 13 games this season and started three. He has 28 tackles, one sack and 10 quarterback hits.