Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu has been suspended without pay for repeatedly violating the NFL’s player safety rules, the league announced Monday. The suspension follows Frankie Luvu’s third instance this season of executing a hip-drop tackle, a maneuver that has been the subject of growing scrutiny and regulation by the league.
According to an official statement from the NFL, Frankie Luvu’s suspension stems from his most recent infraction during Sunday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, when he brought down wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first quarter. The play, which occurred with 7:55 remaining, was flagged for a hip-drop tackle — a technique the league has worked to eliminate due to its high risk of causing lower-body injuries.
Frankie Luvu had previously been fined twice this season for similar violations once in Week 4 and again in Week 8 before the NFL escalated the punishment to a suspension.
“Frankie Luvu has been suspended without pay for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players,” the league’s statement read. “This includes incidents in prior games this season as well as during Sunday’s game against Seattle.”
Frankie Luvu’s violation falls under Rule 12, Section 2, Article 18 (a)(b) of the NFL rulebook, which explicitly prohibits the hip-drop tackle. The rule states:
“It is a foul if a player uses the following technique to bring a runner to the ground: (a) grabs the runner with one or both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and (b) unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and/or trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”
This tackling technique has been linked to a number of serious injuries in recent seasons, prompting the league to make enforcement a top priority in 2025.
The suspension means Luvu will miss Washington’s Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 9. He will be eligible to return to the team on Monday, Nov. 10.
Under the terms of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, Luvu has the right to appeal the suspension. Should he choose to do so, his hearing will be conducted by one of three jointly appointed officers Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson who serve as independent arbiters in disciplinary matters.
Frankie Luvu, one of Washington’s defensive standouts, has been a key contributor this season with his aggressive play and ability to pressure quarterbacks. However, his repeated violations of the league’s new safety rules have drawn criticism and raised questions about player adjustment to evolving regulations.
The Commanders, currently preparing for a crucial game against the Lions, will need to adjust their defensive rotation in Frankie Luvu’s absence. Head coach Dan Quinn has yet to comment publicly on the suspension.
The NFL’s enforcement of the hip-drop tackle rule marks part of a broader effort to enhance player safety and reduce the risk of avoidable lower-body injuries a mission that has already resulted in several fines and disciplinary actions across the league this season.