The NFL has delivered its final ruling on a disciplinary matter involving the Seattle Seahawks, announcing on Monday, January 26, 2026, that linebacker Derick Hall's one-game suspension has been upheld following an appeal. The suspension stems from an incident in the team's Week 18 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams on January 15.
The Incident and Initial Ruling The league suspended Hall without pay for violations of unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct rules. The infraction occurred during the fourth quarter of the regular-season finale when Hall, after a play was whistled dead, stepped on the leg of Rams guard Kevin Dotson while Dotson was on the ground. Dotson sustained an ankle injury on the play and did not return to the game. The NFL deemed the act a "non-football act" that placed an opponent at unnecessary risk of injury.
Hall and the NFL Players Association promptly appealed the decision, arguing the step was unintentional and occurred in the flow of a highly physical game. An appeals officer, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, heard the case but ultimately sided with the league's initial assessment, finding sufficient evidence to support the suspension.
Impact on the Seahawks Critically for the Seahawks' championship aspirations, the suspension will be served during the first game of the 2026 regular season. This means Hall, now in his third NFL season, will be fully eligible to play in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots. His availability for the title game is a significant relief for the Seahawks' defensive front, as Hall has been a key rotational pass rusher and special teams contributor throughout the season and playoffs.
The upheld suspension serves as a stark reminder of the league's increased focus on player safety and the consequences of actions deemed outside the rules of play. Hall will forfeit one game check from the 2026 season. The team has not commented further on the ruling, choosing to focus its public statements on the upcoming Super Bowl preparation.