The injury-addled Commanders just lost a starting linebacker for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.
The NFL suspended Frankie Luvu on Monday due to his use of the banned “hip-drop” tackles during Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
The NFL banned the tackling form, which features a defender dropping their weight and swiveling to pull down a fleeing runner, due to concerns of player safety in 2024.
A statement from league officials claimed that Luvu used hip-drop tackles in the first quarter of Sunday’s game and during previous losses to the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs.
The NFL has already fined Luvu twice over the infractions.
Luvu can appeal the suspension under the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the players. If he does not appeal — or if the league upholds the suspension — Luvu will miss Sunday’s home game against the Lions. The upcoming matchup is widely considered a must-win as the 3-6 Commanders look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
The former All-Pro will be eligible to rejoin the team ahead of the Nov. 16 game against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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