Veteran defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale will spend the rest of the 2025 season rehabbing likely in the hopes of getting another opportunity to play in the NFL next year. But before his return, Ekuale now faces an NFL suspension.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported Tuesday the league has suspended Ekuale, who is on injured reserve, five games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy.
Ekuale has been sidelined since the end of Week 8 because of an ACL tear.
Ekuale will be a free agent this March. The 31-year-old signed a 1-year, $2.8 million contract to join the Steelers in 2025.
In seven games with the Steelers this season, he posted six combined tackles, one quarterback hit and one pass defense. Ekuale played 72 defensive snaps in seven contests. He also lined up for six snaps on special teams.
The defensive lineman spent his first six seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots.
Last season with the Patriots, Ekuale started 16 games. With that opportunity, he posted a career-best 52 combined tackles and three quarterback hits with a sack.
In 64 NFL games, which includes 21 starts, Ekuale has 97 combined tackles, including eight tackles for loss. He’s also posted six sacks.
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