The NFL has suspended Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall one game for unnecessarily stepping on the leg of Los Angeles Rams right guard Kevin Dotson while Dotson was on the ground after a play in the first quarter of the teams’ Week 16 “Thursday Night Football” classic.
Although Hall wasn’t penalized in the moment, the league retroactively deems his act one of unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct, per multiple reports Friday.
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The Seahawks improved to 12-3 and entered the pole position for the NFC’s top seed with a thrilling 38-37 comeback overtime win. Hall appealed the suspension, but it was upheld officially on Monday. Now he will miss their road game next week against the Carolina Panthers. Hall will be able to return to the active roster on Dec. 29 ahead of their regular season finale with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
The Seahawks edge has accounted for 29 total tackles, one sack and, according to Pro Football Focus, 36 pressures this season.
It appears as if the play in question took place with 2:12 remaining in the first quarter. The Rams were facing a third-and-goal while trailing 7-0 at the time.
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Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was in an empty set with three targets to his right and two targets to his left. After the snap, Hall rushed off the edge against Rams right tackle Warren McClendon Jr.
Stafford completed a 5-yard pass to star wideout Puka Nacua that set up fourth-and-goal from the Seahawks’ 1-yard line.
While the pass was in the air, Dotson tumbled to the ground, seemingly because of an incidental collision with Rams center Coleman Shelton, who was pushed into Dotson from behind.
With Dotson on the ground and the pass already complete, Hall appeared to step on Dotson’s leg. Shelton can be seen shoving Hall a moment later. After that play, Dotson left the game with an ankle injury.
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He was evaluated on the sideline and then carted to the locker room. He didn’t return to the game.
Adam Grosbard of the OC Register/LA Daily News reported that Dotson was on crutches with a boot on his left foot postgame outside the Rams’ locker room.
Dotson has been a key part of a strong Rams offensive line this season. He’s allowed only three sacks in 15 games, per PFF, and he’s helped the Rams average the eighth-most rushing yards per game (126.3) during the 2025 campaign.
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