The NFL has suspended a Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defender.
According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale has been suspended for five games due to violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.
"Steelers defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale has been suspended five games without pay for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy," Saunders wrote on X.
Ekuale appeared in seven games for the Steelers in 2025 before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in Pittsburgh's Week 8 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, which landed him on injured reserve. The 31-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in March after starting 16 games for the New England Patriots in 2024.
With Ekuale unable to play due to his injury, he will serve his suspension on IR and will not get paid, per Saunders.
"Ekuale’s suspension will be served while he is on the injured reserve list. It is an unpaid suspension that will cost him approximately $325,000 in salary over the next five weeks," Saunders wrote.
It's hard to imagine a scenario where Ekuale will be on the Steelers' roster in 2026. He will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and basically did nothing for Pittsburgh's defense this season.
The Steelers will look to bounce back in Week 13 versus the Buffalo Bills after suffering a 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Pittsburgh is sitting at second in the AFC North with a 6-5 record, and is looking to get back in the AFC playoff picture.
More NFL news
- CBS Sports lists two potential Aaron Rodgers replacements for Steelers in 2026
- NFL head coach rumor sparks speculation about Mike Tomlin-Pittsburgh Steelers split
- Will Pat Surtain II return in Week 13? Latest injury updates on Denver Broncos CB
- Will Josh Jacobs return for Packers in Week 13?
- Will Omarion Hampton return in Week 13 for Chargers?
- Will Marvin Harrison Jr. Return in Week 13 for Cardinals?
- Will Trey Benson return in Week 13 for Cardinals?
- Will Drake London return in Week 13 for Falcons?
- Will Bucky Irving return in Week 13 for Buccaneers?
- Will Garrett Wilson return in Week 13 for Jets?