The NFL suspended a Pittsburgh Steelers defender on Tuesday. Defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale was suspended without pay for the next five games.
Ekuale, who joined the Steelers in free agency, received the five-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reported Tuesday.
Steelers DT Daniel Ekuale, who is on IR with a season-ending injury, has been suspended without pay for the club’s next five games by the NFL for violating the league’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) November 25, 2025
After four seasons with the New England Patriots, Ekuale, 31, joined the Steelers on a one-year, $2.8 million contract in the 2025 offseason. The defender hasn’t been on the field since tearing his ACL against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 26.
In seven games, the veteran tallied six tackles, a quarterback hit and a pass defended. Despite being on injured reserve, he will be able to serve his suspension, missing out on his weekly pay during this period.
The Steelers dropped to 6-5 after a 31-28 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. They are tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North division standings. Pittsburgh will face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, trying to bounce back and find consistency ahead of the final five games.
Coach Mike Tomlin shared an optimistic update on Aaron Rodgers, who missed the Bears game due to a wrist injury. Mason Rudolph filled in for the four-time NFL MVP, going 24 of 31 for 171 yards and one touchdown with one interception and two sacks.
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