Steelers Suffer Major Blow As DL Daniel Ekuale Is Suspended 5 Games By The NFL For Violating The Banned-Substance Policy – A Harsh Hit To A Defense Already Depleted By Injuries

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – November 26, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers absorbed yet another major setback in the 2025 season as the NFL officially announced a five-game unpaid suspension for defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale due to a violation of the league’s banned-substance policy. The news sent shockwaves through the Steelers’ locker room and heightened concerns for a defensive unit already struggling with severe injury issues.

Ekuale, 29, remains on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in the Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Serving the suspension during his rehab means Pittsburgh will have to wait even longer before they can consider using him again. The punishment will also cost Ekuale approximately $325,000 in lost salary, a significant hit for a player on a one-year contract.

Before the injury, Ekuale played a key rotational role on the defensive line. He backed up Keeanu Benton at nose tackle and rotated at defensive end when needed. Across 72 snaps this season, Ekuale recorded 6 pressures, 4 run stops, and earned an overall grade of 73.3 from Pro Football Focus, demonstrating solid reliability within Pittsburgh’s defensive system.

The suspension immediately drew comparisons to the case of Larry Ogunjobi, who was hit with a six-game PED suspension prior to being released by the Steelers. Now, Pittsburgh finds itself once again dealing with a familiar setback — and at the worst possible time.

Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation with a brief but firm message when asked about the league’s announcement:

“This isn’t the type of news anyone in this organization wants right now. We hold our players to a very high standard — in how they play, prepare, and conduct themselves. When something like this happens, our responsibility is to adjust, stay strong, and make sure it doesn’t break the spirit of this team.”

As of now, there has been no official statement from Ekuale or the Steelers’ front office, deepening the unease surrounding a roster already stretched thin by injuries and inconsistency.

In a season where the Steelers are fighting to stay in the playoff race, Ekuale’s suspension is more than just an unfortunate headline — it is a reminder that individual mistakes can ripple through an entire locker room, at a time when Pittsburgh can least afford another setback.