**Frankie Luvu Avoids Suspension, Fined $100,000 for Hip-Drop Tackle**
Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu won’t face a one-game suspension for his history of on-field behavioral issues, but the NFL is making its punishment count. The league fined Luvu $100,000 on Saturday, November 8, following a hip-drop tackle he made on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during the first quarter of the Commanders’ Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Luvu was initially facing a one-game suspension and a fine of over $46,000 for repeated hip-drop tackle offenses. The NFL has fined him three different times over the past year for similar plays. However, after Luvu appealed the ruling, the league overturned the suspension but increased the fine significantly.
“#Commanders LB Frankie Luvu’s one-game suspension has been reduced to a $100,000 fine after his appeal,” reported Ari Meirov on November 4. “Luvu is eligible to play on Sunday.”
The original punishment would have been a historic one for Luvu and the NFL, but the six-figure fine became official on Saturday, just one day before the Commanders’ crucial matchup against the Detroit Lions.
**Commanders Facing Lions Without Jayden Daniels, Hope for Quick Return**
The Commanders, 3-6 through nine games this season, face a pivotal game as they host Detroit on November 9. Unfortunately, they will be without star quarterback and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. Daniels left last week’s contest against Seattle with a dislocated elbow on his non-throwing arm, despite playing late into the second half with the game out of reach.
Washington spent the week uncertain about Daniels’ status. Putting him on injured reserve (IR) would have forced him to miss at least four games. Instead, the Commanders received a positive update on Daniels’ recovery.
“I’m told Jayden Daniels could potentially be back after three weeks on that elbow issue,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. “Not gonna need surgery. They’re not putting him on injured reserve.”
Washington plays the Miami Dolphins at home on November 16 and then has a bye in Week 12. If Daniels returns after three weeks, he could be back for a home matchup against the Denver Broncos, missing just two actual contests due to the injury.
**Frankie Luvu’s Importance Grows as Commanders Enter Must-Win Stretch**
With Daniels’ status up in the air and every win crucial for Washington’s playoff hopes, keeping Luvu available for the matchup against Detroit is a significant boost for the team. Through nine games this season, Luvu has proven to be one of the Commanders’ top defenders, recording 50 combined tackles—including four tackles for loss—along with three quarterback hits, two sacks, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
The Commanders now turn their focus to a must-win stretch, knowing every play and every player matters as they fight to keep their season alive.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/frankie-luvu-fine-punishment-suspension-seahawks-lions/
