The Washington Commanders will be without linebacker Frankie Luvu when they face the Detroit Lions this upcoming Sunday. The NFL has handed him a one-game suspension following a hip-drop tackle he committed during last Sunday night’s 38-14 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks, as reported by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. This incident marked Luvu’s third hip-drop tackle of the season.

The hip-drop tackle was prohibited by the NFL prior to the 2024 season. The league defines this illegal tactic as follows:

“It is a foul if a player uses the following technique to bring a runner to the ground: (a) grabs the runner with 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 trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”

Although technically a 15-yard penalty, officiating crews are often hesitant to flag these plays. Many infractions, including those of Luvu’s, have gone unpenalized on game day but resulted in fines later. Additionally, in nine games this season, Luvu has achieved 50 tackles, recorded two sacks, defended two passes, and logged three quarterback hits. With Luvu sidelined for Week 10, it’s likely that Jordan Magee will step into the starter role alongside veteran Bobby Wagner.

The recent game proved disastrous for the Commanders, as along with Luvu’s suspension, Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow, while wide receiver Luke McCaffrey broke his collarbone and cornerback Marshon Lattimore tore his ACL.