Defensive Tackle Trysten Hill of the Dallas Cowboys has been suspended for two games by the NFL for his “open hand punch” of Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive lineman John Simpson immediately after last week’s Thanksgiving game. This decision comes despite reports that Hill would not be suspended from major NFL insiders just a few days ago.
Hill struck Simpson during the postgame handshakes following the Cowboys’ overtime loss to the Raiders. Simpson still had his helmet on and the blow went to his facemask, knocking the helmet off and leading to a scuffle.
The next day, Ian Rapoport and others reported that Trysten would only be fined and not suspended per their sources. But after a review from the NFL, which was likely delayed due to the holiday, we now know that Hill will the Cowboys’ next two games.
#Cowboys DT Trysten Hill was suspended 2 games without pay for his post-game punch, per me & @TomPelissero, after the NFL reviewed all video from the game. VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued it, saying it was an open hand punch to #Raiders OL John Simpson’s facemark.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 29, 2021
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=923498661643243
With Hill having already missed Dallas’ first eight games on the PUP list, this is starting to become a lost season for the third-year defensive tackle. By the time he returns from suspension, Neville Gallimore will likely be back and competing for snaps with rookie Osa Odighizuwa.
Trysten has struggled to find his place with the Cowboys since being a second-round pick in 2019. He was cited for effort issues as a rookie but started to come on toward the end of the year, then was looking good in 2020 before an ACL injury cut that season short.
Thankfully, Dallas is already used to playing without him so the impact to their next two games shouldn’t be great. Nevertheless, it’s a shame to lose a young player from the rotation and especially given other absences.
