The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams in an overtime thriller on Thursday night, but it came at the cost of losing linebacker Derick Hall for one game.
Hall, a former second-round pick from Auburn, has racked up 29 tackles, 10 QB hits, two pass break-ups and a sack for the Seahawks this season. In 2024, he had 20 QB hits and eight sacks for Mike Macdonald’s defense.
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Unfortunately for the Seahawks, they won’t have Hall for Week 17. He has been suspended one game for stepping on Rams offensive guard Kevin Dotson’s ankle.
“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.’ 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 NFL said in a press release.

Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) celebrate after a play during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images© Kevin Ng-Imagn Images.
Hall is reportedly appealing the NFL‘s suspension. His appeal will be heard by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson.
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Here’s the play where Dotson got hurt:
Fans torn on this decision.
“I think he probably deserves that suspension,” one fan argued.
“This doesn’t look intentional,” a second fan said.
“Coleman Shelton a real one for noticing it instantly and having his guys back,” a Rams fan wrote.
“No room for that in the game. Enough injuries as is,” a social media user added.
“What a soft league the NFL has become,” another fan declared.
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We can’t fault the league for protecting Dotson and suspending Hall, especially if they believe the latter’s actions were intentional.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.