Frankie Luvu Cleared To Play For Commanders Defense
Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) was removed from the final injury report on Friday and will be available to play in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. Luvu practiced in full on Wednesday and was limited on both Thursday and Friday. The 28-year-old injured his shoulder in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys but has held an every-down role for Washington in their two playoff wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Commanders will surely need him to be at the top of his game this weekend to try and slow down the NFL's leading rusher in 2024 in Saquon Barkley. During the regular season, Luvu was the No. 16 fantasy linebacker in IDP formats, collecting 53 tackles, eight sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 17 games played.
Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. It's worth noting that Luvu did suffer a shoulder injury during the regular season finale. However, he looked fine in each of the last two games and practiced in full during Wednesday's practice. Possibly, the Commanders were just taking the cautious approach and were limiting Luvu to keep him fresh for this weekend. His absence would be a significant hit for this defensive unit given how well Luvu has played this season. In 17 games, Luvu recorded 99 tackles, eight sacks, and seven passes defended. There should be better clarity on his shoulder injury following Friday's practice.
Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu agreed to terms on a three-year deal for a maximum value of $36 million on Monday with the Washington Commanders. New Commanders head coach Dan Quinn isn't wasting any time adding to his new defense in D.C., adding both Luvu and defensive lineman Dorance Armstrong on Monday. The 27-year-old Luvu was a top-25 IDP linebacker in his third year in Carolina in 2023, recording a career-high 125 tackles (66 solo), 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, five passes defensed and two forced fumbles in 17 starts. It was the fourth straight season that Luvu set a new career-high in tackles, and he's quickly put himself on the IDP fantasy radar heading into 2024 as he joins the Commanders.
The Carolina Panthers agreed to a two-year contract extension with linebacker and special-teamer Frankie Luvu on Thursday. Luvu was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 25-year-old played 16 games for the Panthers in his first season in Carolina in 2021 and recorded 43 tackles (26 solo), eight tackles for loss, five QB hits, a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and 1.5 sacks. He had a much bigger role on special teams, but Luvu will try to continue to work his way into Carolina's defensive plans over the next two seasons. Luvu's first three NFL seasons were with the New York Jets.
Frankie Luvu Heads To Injured Reserve With Groin Ailment
New York Jets linebacker Frankie Luvu (groin) will be out for at least the next three games after being placed on Injured Reserve on Tuesday due to the groin injury that he sustained Sunday versus Miami. Luvu has accumulated seven tackles across six games this season, being used primarily on special teams. After having compiled 11 quarterback hits and three sacks back in 2018, Luvu has seen his role on defense take a step backward for a Jets Defense that merits essentially no fantasy consideration at this stage. With matchups against Buffalo and Kansas City coming up over the next two weeks, New Yorks defense should undoubtedly remain on the waiver wire. Luvus next chance to suit up comes in Week 11 against the Chargers.
Frankie Luvu
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Commanders
