Commanders LB Frankie Luvu Avoids Suspension

Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu has successfully appealed a one-game suspension for repeated violations of the NFL’s rule against hip-drop tackles, the league announced Tuesday. The suspension, which would have cost Luvu a game check of $508,333, was overturned and replaced with a $100,000 fine. As a result, Luvu will be available for the Commanders’ upcoming game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

The discipline stemmed from a tackle Luvu made on Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during the first quarter of Sunday’s 38-14 loss. This marked his third offense under the new rule this season, leading to the initial suspension. He was previously fined $23,186 after Week 4 and an additional $46,372 following Week 8 for similar tackles.

Luvu was the first player to be suspended under the policy, which the NFL stated is intended to “protect the health and safety of players.” The appeal was heard by Derrick Brooks, an officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association. The rule prohibits a player from using a technique in which he “grabs the runner with one or both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and unweights himself by swiveling or dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and/or trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”

Luvu’s availability provides a crucial boost for a struggling Washington defense. The Commanders (3-6) are currently on a four-game losing streak and have been severely depleted by injuries. The team has already placed several key defensive starters on injured reserve, including cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who suffered a season-ending torn ACL against the Seahawks, as well as ends Deatrich Wise Jr. and Dorance Armstrong, and safety Will Harris.



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