Steelers Defensive Tackle Daniel Ekuale Suspended for PED Violation

The NFL has suspended Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale for five games due to a violation of the league's performance-enhancing substances policy. The suspension was announced on Tuesday, impacting the team's defensive lineup as they prepare for upcoming games.

Ekuale, who is currently on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in the Steelers' game against the Green Bay Packers on October 26, will serve this suspension while on IR. This means he will miss out on approximately $325,000 in salary during the suspension period, which is unpaid.

Ekuale, 31, joined the Steelers in the 2025 offseason after signing a one-year contract worth $2.8 million. In his brief time with the team, he appeared in seven games, recording six tackles, including two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and one pass defended.

Despite not being a starter, he played a significant role as a backup nose tackle and a rotational defensive tackle. Following his injury, rookie Yahya Black has stepped into the role, and is expected to start in the upcoming games, as another rookie, Derrick Harmon, has also been ruled out due to a knee injury.

The Steelers are facing challenges as they adjust their defensive strategies without Ekuale. This is not the first suspension for the Steelers this season, as former defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi also faced a six-game suspension for a similar violation earlier in the year.

Ekuale's contract is set to expire in March, and his future with the Steelers remains uncertain as the team navigates this setback. The Steelers will need to rally their remaining defensive line depth, which includes players like Esezi Otomewo, Brodric Martin, and Logan Lee, to fill the gap left by Ekuale's absence.

As the team prepares for the rest of the season, adjustments will be crucial to maintain their defensive strength in light of these challenges.