BREAKING NEWS: Steelers DT Daniel Ekuale Hit with Suspension Ahead of Crucial Week 13 Matchup with Bills
PITTSBURGH (November 25, 2025) — A setback for the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense comes at a critical juncture as defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale has been suspended without pay for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.
As the Steelers gear up for a high-stakes Week 13 clash against the Buffalo Bills, this suspension serves as an added distraction for Pittsburgh’s already struggling defense. Ekuale, who was already sidelined with a torn ACL sustained in Week 8, won’t be able to make any contribution for the remainder of the season. Though he wasn't expected to play due to his injury, the news of his suspension adds another layer to his absence, leaving a bitter taste for the Steelers' defensive line.
Ekuale's Suspension: A Double Blow for the Steelers
Daniel Ekuale, signed to a one-year contract this offseason, has had a rather quiet debut season with the Steelers. Over his seven appearances, Ekuale accumulated just six tackles, one quarterback hit, and one pass defended. His presence in the lineup was minimal at best, but his potential impact was still expected when healthy. Now, the suspension means Ekuale won't be available even if he were to make a recovery from his torn ACL in time for the playoffs.
The irony of Ekuale receiving a suspension while already sidelined by injury is not lost on many, but for the Steelers, the suspension adds insult to injury. The defensive tackle had a chance to prove himself as part of Pittsburgh's defensive front, but with the ACL tear followed by this suspension, it raises questions about his future with the franchise. Will the Steelers re-sign him after this tumultuous season? Time will tell, but for now, Ekuale's absence will be felt in the locker room and in the front office.
Steelers' Defense Struggling Ahead of Bills Game
As the Steelers prepare to take on the Buffalo Bills in one of the most pivotal matchups of their season, the defensive side of the ball remains a significant concern. Pittsburgh ranks a dismal 28th overall in total defense, allowing 364.5 yards per game. With the Bills' potent offense on the horizon, the Steelers need to shore up their defensive woes. The absence of Ekuale and the ongoing struggles on the defensive line only amplify the pressure on head coach Mike Tomlin’s squad.
While the Steelers have an ace up their sleeve in star linebacker TJ Watt, who remains one of the most disruptive forces in the league, Pittsburgh’s defense will need to rally around him to stymie the high-flying Bills offense. With playoff implications on the line, every member of the defense will have to elevate their game, including Watt, who will undoubtedly be leaned upon to lead the charge.
The Stakes in Week 13
The Week 13 showdown between the Steelers (6-5) and the Bills (7-4) is shaping up to be a must-win for both teams. With the AFC playoff race heating up, this contest will have massive implications on each squad’s postseason aspirations. Both teams are coming off losses, but the winner of this game will walk away with vital momentum for the stretch run.
For Pittsburgh, the absence of Ekuale and their defensive struggles make this matchup even more critical. Tomlin’s defense will need to step up in a big way against the Bills, who have been one of the top offensive teams in the league. Despite their challenges, the Steelers remain a dangerous team, especially with Watt leading the charge. But with the added distraction of Ekuale's suspension, they’ll need to focus on their defensive game plan more than ever.
The absence of Ekuale, both due to injury and now his suspension, will not be the sole story heading into the game. But for a defense that has struggled all season, it’s another hurdle the Steelers will have to overcome if they want to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Packers Make Final Decision on Josh Jacobs Before Thanksgiving
It was a busy day for the Packers on Wednesday, as the team tries to bounce quickly back from Sunday’s dominant defensive performance against the Vikings to take on the Lions, a must-win game if Green Bay wants to give itself a top-level chance to win the NFC North. The Packers come in at 7-3-1, and are 2-0 in the division, while the Lions are 7-4.
The Packers made one decision on the offensive side, opting to keep receiver Jayden Reed out for another week as he returns from collar-bone and foot injuries. When they put out their injury report on Wednesday, it was clear they’d made another, too: They were ready to get running back Josh Jacobs back on the field.
Jacobs was not on Wednesday’s injury report, which means he is good to go for the Lions.
Josh Jacobs In Need of Consistency
Jacobs had hurt his knee in Week 11 against the Giants. He wanted badly to play in Week 12, but the team held him back and Jacobs vowed he would return on Thanksgiving. He’s followed through on that.
Last year, Jacobs proved to be a shrewd addition by the Packers’ front office, as he went for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns, plus another 342 yards as a receiver. This year, Jacobs is running behind a reconfigured and oft-injured offensive line, and the result have been rough at times. Jacobs has not had a 100-yard game this season and is on pace for a much more modest 1,037 yards on the year.
Jacobs definitely needs consistency and momentum to be effective. The Packers are hoping he gets more of that down the season’s stretch run.
As offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said of Jacobs, “It takes a little time in the run game to just get things going and the more opportunities you get the more momentum you can build. When you’re able to give Josh (Jacobs) the ball that many times, he’s going to start popping some and he’s going to wear people out.”
Packers Could Use Emanuel Wilson More With Josh Jacobs
With Jacobs out against the Vikings, RB2 Emanuel Wilson stepped up with 28 carries for 107 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers like to use Wilson as a change-of-pace back, but there is a case to be made for him to get more carries–he had just 53 coming into Week 12. Wilson for one said he’d like that chance.
“It’ll be crazy,” Wilson said of a one-two punch with Jacobs. “When Josh comes back, when he gets going I will try to match his energy. Today, I just tried to do that. … I just went out there and did my job. The guys believe in me so I tried to make every opportunity count for them.”
