Commanders' Frankie Luvu Suspended 1 Game by NFL After 3rd Hip-Drop Tackle in 2025

The NFL suspended Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu for one game due to "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted the linebacker's hip-drop tackle during the loss was his third of the year, as he drew fines from tackling in such a manner in Weeks 4 and 8.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported he will appeal the suspension that is "believed to be the first for hip-drop tackles since the NFL outlawed action a couple years ago."

If the suspension stands upon appeal, Luvu will miss Washington's upcoming game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday and be eligible to return for the following contest against the Miami Dolphins.

The veteran has appeared in all nine of the Commanders' games this season after playing in all 17 last year. He has 50 tackles, two sacks, two passes defended and one forced fumble in 2025 after finishing with 99 tackles last year.

Luvu previously played for the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers.

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His suspension is just the latest unwanted development for the Commanders, who have lost four in a row and sit at 3-6 on the season. They reached the NFC Championship Game last season and entered the 2025 campaign with elevated expectations, but injuries and poor performances have defined the season to this point.

Jayden Daniels has been in and out of the lineup and suffered an elbow injury during Sunday's 38-14 blowout loss.

Luvu's hip-drop tackle happened in the first quarter of what was an ugly defensive performance for the team as a whole. Seattle scored 31 points in the first half behind four touchdown passes from Sam Darnold and largely put things on cruise control after intermission.

Things won't get any easier for the defense against Jared Goff and Co. in the upcoming contest against the Lions, especially if Luvu is out.