Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu faces a one-game suspension without pay for repeatedly breaking the NFL’s rule against hip-drop tackles. The league announced the decision on November 3, 2025. Luvu again used the banned move in the first quarter of Washington’s 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Luvu plans to appeal the suspension.

Luvu’s disciplinary case will be reviewed by one of three independent NFL/NFLPA officers — Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson — who oversee all player discipline appeals. The NFL referenced Rule 12, Section 2, Article 18 (a)(b), which prohibits players from grabbing a runner and dropping their hips or lower body onto the opponent’s legs. Officials determined that Luvu’s tackle on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba clearly violated this rule.

After reviewing the play postgame, league monitors confirmed the infraction, making Luvu the first player suspended under the updated rule. He’ll forfeit $508,333 in salary and miss Week 10 against the Detroit Lions. The Commanders are expected to have him back on November 10, ahead of their Week 11 matchup with the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. This suspension is also Luvu’s third disciplinary issue this season.