The NFL has suspended Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Derick Hall for one game without pay following an incident in Thursday night’s thrilling 38-37 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams, the league announced on Friday, December 19, 2025.
The suspension stems from Hall unnecessarily stepping on the leg of Rams guard Kevin Dotson while Dotson was on the ground at the end of a first-quarter play. Dotson suffered an ankle injury on the play, was carted off the field, and did not return—he was later spotted on crutches and in a walking boot outside the locker room.
Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed the incident Friday, saying: “I think he was injured before, but it certainly didn’t help the matter. And it was definitely not stuff we want in our game.”
Hall “absolutely” plans to appeal the suspension, according to sources. If upheld, he will miss Seattle’s Week 17 road game against the Carolina Panthers on December 28 and be eligible to return to the active roster on Monday, December 29.
A 2023 second-round pick, Hall plays a key rotational role in the Seahawks’ outside linebacker group, averaging around 30 defensive snaps per game. He has recorded one sack and 10 quarterback hits through 15 games this season, following a breakout 2024 campaign with eight sacks and 20 QB hits.
The Seahawks (12-3) clinched a playoff spot and seized sole possession of first place in the NFC West—and the conference’s No. 1 seed—with the comeback win over the Rams. However, their defense could face additional challenges against Carolina, as safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Riq Woolen both exited Thursday’s game with knee injuries in the fourth quarter.
Head coach Mike Macdonald indicated Bryant’s injury “is not automatically season-ending,” while initial tests suggest Bryant may miss some time and Woolen’s issue is not serious. Nickelback Nick Emmanwori also briefly left the game but cleared concussion protocol and was available to return.
