Frankie Luvu escaped a historic suspension but still faces massive financial consequences. The NFL fined the Washington Commanders linebacker $100,000 on Saturday, November 8, after he successfully appealed what would have been the league’s first suspension for hip-drop tackles.
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) runs on field before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) runs on field before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The league originally penalized Luvu with a one-game suspension and a fine exceeding $46,000 for his hip-drop tackle on Jaxon Smith-Njigba during the first quarter of Washington’s Week 9 game against Seattle. The NFL had fined him three different times over the last year for repeated hip-drop tackle offenses.
Ari Meirov reported the appeal results on November 4. “#Commanders LB Frankie Luvu’s one-game suspension has been reduced to a $100,000 fine after his appeal,” Meirov wrote. “Luvu is eligible to play on Sunday.”
#Commanders LB Frankie Luvu’s one-game suspension has been reduced to a $100,000 fine after his appeal. Luvu is eligible to play on Sunday. https://t.co/NCQ1DkYYMj
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 5, 2025
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network explained the significance of the original punishment on November 3. “Frankie Luvu plans to appeal his one-game suspension — believed to be the first for hip-drop tackles since the NFL outlawed action a couple years ago,” Pelissero reported via X.
The league overturned the suspension but increased the fine substantially. Luvu’s six-figure penalty became official Saturday, one day before Washington hosts the Detroit Lions in a crucial matchup.
The Commanders sit at 3-6 through nine games this season. They bested the Lions at Ford Field in January to earn a berth in the NFC Championship Game, making Sunday’s rematch particularly meaningful.
Given Daniels’ uncertain status and the urgency with which Washington must pursue wins, hanging onto Luvu for this weekend’s game against the Lions provides a meaningful boost for the Commanders.
Luvu has tallied 50 combined tackles, including four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, two sacks, two pass breakups and a forced fumble in nine games played this season.
The 29-year-old linebacker is on a three-year deal worth $31 million total that runs through next season. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024.
Jayden Daniels Could Return Sooner Than Expected
Washington will host Detroit on November 9 without star quarterback and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. The quarterback left last week’s contest against Seattle with a dislocated elbow on his non-throwing arm.
Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow, but avoided ligament damage. No surgery needed. The team hasn’t put him on injured reserve, holding open the possibility of a return as soon as week 13. The big takeaway is our QB is basically Gumby, which is incredible. pic.twitter.com/pGfI2QSXzl
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) November 7, 2025
Daniels played late into the second half despite the Seahawks blowing the Commanders out at the time. Washington entered the week uncertain about how to proceed with their franchise quarterback.
Putting Daniels on injured reserve would force him to miss at least four games. The Commanders got a somewhat surprising update on his health Saturday.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPNdelivered encouraging news about the timeline. “I’m told Jayden Daniels could potentially be back after three weeks on that elbow issue,” Fowler reported. “Not gonna need surgery. They’re not putting him on injured reserve.”
Washington plays Miami at home on November 16 and then has a bye in Week 12. If Daniels returns after three weeks, he would do so during a home game against Denver after missing just two actual contests due to the elbow injury.
The accelerated timeline gives Washington hope that they can salvage their season with their star quarterback returning quickly.