The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a disheartening defeat against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The Steelers also suffered several injuries, including a significant one to veteran defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Ekuale sustained a torn ACL. While Garafolo didn’t address the defensive lineman’s timetable for return, such an injury should rule out Ekuale for the remainder of the 2025 season.
“Steelers DL Daniel Ekuale tore his ACL last night in the loss to the Packers, sources tell me and Ian Rapoport,” posted Garafolo on X. “A tough blow for the team and the seventh-year veteran.”
Ekuale suffered his knee injury during the second quarter Sunday night. The veteran walked off the field on his own, but the team called him doubtful to return after he entered the blue medical tent.
Ekuale eventually went into the locker room and didn’t play again.
In his first season with the Steelers, Ekuale posted six combined tackles, one quarterback hit and one pass defense in seven contests. He played 72 defensive snaps and six on special teams.
Steelers Lose DL Daniel Ekuale to Torn ACL: Report
Ekuale doesn’t play a significant role on the Steelers defense. In fact, he only played one defensive snap before his injury Sunday night.
But the team is losing defensive line depth without the 31-year-old.
With Ekuale out, Logan Lee could see an increased role. Lee dressed for the first three games of the season and played 17 defensive snaps. But he has been a healthy scratch since then.
Lee also played five special teams snaps in the first three weeks.
The Steelers have Ekuale listed as a defensive tackle on their official roster. Cameron Heyward, Derrick Harmon and Lee are the team’s other “defensive tackles” on the active roster.
At defensive end, the Steelers have Yahya Black, DeMarvin Leal and Esezi Otomewo on their 53-man roster. The team officially has third-year player Keeanu Benton listed as a defensive lineman.
Ekuale began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent for the Cleveland Browns. He spent one season with the Browns and a year with the Jacksonville Jaguars before finding a home with the New England Patriots.
In four seasons with the Patriots, Ekuale registered 74 combined tackles and five sacks. He started 16 games for New England in 2024.
In 41 career games, which include 21 starts, Ekuale has 97 combined tackles, including eight tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits. He’s also submitted six sacks and two pass defenses.
Steelers’ Deshon Elliott, Isaac Seumalo Also Have Injuries
Ekaule might not be the only serious injury the Steelers have after Week 8.
Safety Deshon Elliott exited in the third quarter with a knee injury. Elliott’s foot was caught underneath another player while he was trying to tackle Packers tight end Tucker Kraft.
NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark reported Elliott appeared to be very emotional while trying to hide his face when he entered the locker room for further evaluation.
The Steelers also lost left guard Isaac Seumalo during the second half. Tomlin told reporters in his postgame press conference that Seumalo sustained a pec injury.
Tomlin’s defense has already played a couple games without Elliott this year. But his loss would be significant.
So would Seumalo’s if he has to miss next week. Without Seumalo, the Steelers can’t deploy a sixth offensive lineman as easily, which is a personnel grouping that has worked well for the team’s running game this season.
The Steelers need every healthy player they can get for Week 9. They will host the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts on November 2.
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