The Washington Commanders are facing a challenging outlook for 2026, compounded by recent setbacks including an injury situation and disciplinary issues. Head coach Dan Quinn has accepted responsibility amid these difficulties, but the troubles don’t end there.
Linebacker Frankie Luvu has been suspended for one game following an illegal move during the Commanders’ recent game against the Seattle Seahawks. According to a post on X by Ari Meirov, the NFL has suspended Luvu “after performing a hip-drop tackle in last night’s game vs. Seattle — his third such tackle of the season.”
The suspension means the Commanders will have to play without the veteran linebacker for at least one game. This is significant, given that the defense is already dealing with depth issues.
The NFL’s statement clarified the nature of Luvu’s foul, citing a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 18 (a)(b):
“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.”
Despite having been penalized previously, Luvu continued to use this illegal hip-drop tackle, which led to the suspension. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported that Luvu intends to appeal the penalty.
If the suspension is upheld, Luvu will lose a game check valued at $508,333, as noted by Grant Gordon.
Luvu’s absence will be a major blow for the Commanders, especially if he misses the upcoming game against the Detroit Lions. At 29 years old, Luvu has been a key contributor to the defense this season, posting 50 tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss.
The Commanders’ defense has struggled significantly this year. According to commanderswire.com, the situation has been described as one of the worst in recent memory.
Brian Manning wrote, “We’ve seen a lot of bad Washington football over the last 24 years. Some bad teams, low on talent, struggling coordinators, but it’s this staff, led by a defensive-minded head coach, Dan Quinn, that is being embarrassed by the rest of the NFL. Not even Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio were this bad. Let that sink in.”
As the Commanders work to overcome these challenges, the upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the team’s direction moving forward.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/washington-commanders/commanders-news-frankie-luvu-punishment-illegal-move-seahawks
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