Earlier this week, the NFL levied a one-game suspension on Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu. The suspension was for another hip-drop tackle from Luvu, the third infraction of that type from him this season alone. He was scheduled to miss Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions
However, on Tuesday night, the NFL downgraded Luvu’s punishment from a one-game suspension to a $100,000 fine, making him eligible to play this week against the Lions.
This is a tough break for Lions fans for several reasons. Earlier this year, Brian Branch failed to get his one-game suspension reduced upon appeal, albeit under very different circumstances, as Branch’s suspension stemmed from a post-game fight.
What may be even more frustrating about this decision is that Luvu actually performed an illegal hip-drop tackle the last time the Lions and Commanders played in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs, taking down Jahmyr Gibbs with the dangerous move:
And if you haven’t completely blocked out that game from memory, you likely know Luvu from an even more egregious action in that game. After the Commanders intercepted Jared Goff, Luvu speared Goff with the crown of his helmet, resulting in the Lions quarterback getting evaluated for a concussion. He was fined for that, as well.
So instead of upholding a repeated offender of this hip drop tackle (four times in the 2025 calendar year, including the playoff game vs. the Lions) and a player who legitimately jeopardized the health of two Lions players in the last matchup, the NFL has decided that he’s good to go this week.
It’s a significant win for the Commanders. Luvu ranks third on the team in tackles (50), t-fourth in both tackles for loss (4) and sacks (2.0), and has played more defensive snaps than everyone but Bobby Wagner on Washington’s defense.
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