NFL Reinstates Steelers Defender After Suspension

The Pittsburgh Steelers were handily beaten in their loss to the Green Bay Packers during Week 8 of the 2025 season.

To add to that pain, the Steelers also lost a depth piece for the remainder of the season during the loss, as defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale was taken out of the game with a torn ACL. The season would only get worse for botgh parties in the situation, as Ekuale would receive a five game suspension two weeks later for violating the National Football League's Performance-Enhancing Substances policy.

It was the second time in his career that he received a suspension in this regard.

He was the second player associated with the Steelers during 2025 to receive a suspension this season, as former Steeler's defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi was also suspended for violating the league's substance policy and subsequently sat out the first six games of the season for his new team in the Buffalo Bills.

Ekuale's Role in Pittsburgh

Ekuale played the nose tackle position for the Steelers for the most part, a position that has seen plenty of turnover in recent years for the team. Ekuale appeared in 7 games during the 2025 season, appearing in each game he was able to appear in before his injury occurred.

Since his suspension and subsequent injury, the nose tackle role has been filled with a high level of performance. Both Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black, who were both selected by the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft, have played quite well at the position especially when considering their rookie status.