Seahawks LB Derick Hall suspended 1 game for stepping on leg of Rams' Kevin Dotson while he was on the ground
- - Seahawks LB Derick Hall suspended 1 game for stepping on leg of Rams' Kevin Dotson while he was on the ground
Andy BackstromDecember 20, 2025 at 5:58 AM
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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.
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. But they won't have Hall next week on the road against the Carolina Panthers. He'll be able to return to the active roster the following Monday, on Dec. 29.
Under the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement, Hall has the opportunity to appeal the suspension. 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.
L.A. 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.
Derick Hall has been suspended 1 game for "an act of unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct." League says he stepped on Rams RG Kevin Dotson. I believe this is the play. That's D Hall (58) on the edge. Dotson was carted off and didn't return. pic.twitter.com/RoMSVn6Wwk
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) December 19, 2025
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.
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 L.A. 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.
Source: “AOL Sports”
