NFL suspends Steelers DT without pay for PED violation, per reports

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the hunt for an AFC North title despite one of the franchise's worst defenses in years.

Pittsburgh enters Week 13 at 20th in the league in points allowed and 28th in yards. That'd be the worst marks since 2021 and on pace for the worst defense by those stats in the Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh. Much of that can be chalked up to injuries as all levels have been hit hard, including defensive line.

Veteran rotational players and starters alike have missed time, including veteran free agent signee Daniel Ekuale. The seven-year veteran came to Pittsburgh this offseason and suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 8 against Green Bay. He's missing time and, as of today, will be missing paychecks for the next month.

The NFL has suspended Ekuale for five games without pay due to violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy, per multiple reports.