WATCH: Frankie Luvu comes up with pick-six versus Arizona Cardinals
Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu picked off Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray on Sunday for the team’s first points of the game. Luvu returned the interception 33 yards for a touchdown. It was the first of the Washington State alum’s NFL career, despite four years under his belt so far.
Earlier this week, it was unclear if the former New York Jet would be able to play on Sunday. He was limited in practice due to a shoulder sting. Now, he’s come up with the biggest play of the game so far for Carolina.
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In 2021, Luvu finished the year tied for second on the team in special teams tackles, and had a forced fumble and a blocked punt last year. He also added 1.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a forced fumble and fumble recovery on defense.
This spring, the Panthers linebacker signed a two-year extension worth $9 million. Based on the reported numbers in Luvu’s new deal, it’s easily the largest contract of his career so far. He made under a million in his first three years with the Jets before signing a one-year $1.1 million deal with Carolina last year.
Luvu is 26 years old and spent his first three seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets. At Washington State, he posted 6.5 sacks in his senior season.
Christian McCaffrey good to go versus Cardinals
Christian McCaffrey is back and ready to carry the load for the Carolina Panthers in Week 4.
McCaffrey’s status has been the talk of the town, as he’s been either limited or out of practice throughout the week. However, the franchise revealed on Sunday afternoon that he’ll be out on the field come 4:00 p.m. ET.
“Christian McCaffrey didn’t get much practice time in this week, but he’s ready to start against Arizona,” announced the Panthers. “McCaffrey is active for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, after missing Wednesday and Thursday with a thigh injury.
“He’s coming off a productive stretch, with two straight 100-yard rushing games for the first time since 2019.”
Additionally, the Panthers announced that wide receiver Lavish Shenault Jr. will be on the field after a promising showing last weekend.
“Wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. is also active after missing some practice time this week with a hamstring,” announced Carolina. “He scored the only offensive touchdown last week, and added a spark on kickoff returns as well.”
On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this report.