Daniel Ekuale Injury News & Updates

The NFL suspended Ekuale five games Tuesday for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Ekuale is already out for the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL last month, so he'll just serve the ban while sitting on injured reserve. The 31-year-old defensive lineman appeared in seven games this season, producing six tackles (four solo) and one pass breakup on 72 defensive snaps.

The Steelers placed Ekuale (knee) on injured reserve Friday.

Ekuale's season is over after he suffered a torn ACL in last Sunday night's loss to the Packers. Keeanu Benton and Yahya Black will see the bulk of the nose-tackle snaps for Pittsburgh. Prior to his injury, Ekuale logged six tackles (four solo) and one pass breakup on 14 percent of the Steelers' defensive snaps.

Ekuale tore his ACL during the Steelers' 35-25 loss to the Packers on Sunday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Ekuale sustained the injury in the first quarter, and further tests revealed a torn ACL that will sideline the veteran defensive tackle for the rest of the 2025 season, and it could impact his availability for the start of the 2026 campaign. The Steelers could look to add depth to their defensive line via trade, free agency, the waiver wire or the practice squad, but rookie fifth-rounder Yahya Black could also see a significant uptick in defensive snaps. Ekuale will finish the 2025 regular season with six tackles (four solo) and one pass defense over seven games.

Ekuale (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday night's contest against Green Bay.

Ekuale suffered a knee injury in the first quarter, and he will now be forced to sit out the rest of the game. In his absence, Yahya Black and Esezi Otomewo stand to operate in more significant roles on the defensive line versus the Packers.

Ekuale is doubtful to return to Sunday night's matchup with the Packers due to a knee injury, Burt Lauten of the Steelers' official site reports.

The defensive tackle did not record a stat before exiting the contest. Ekuale did not play more than 20 defensive snaps in any of the Steelers' first six games before Sunday night. Yahya Black and Esezi Otomewo are the extra defensive linemen available for Pittsburgh against Green Bay.

Ekuale and the Steelers have agreed on a contract, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Ekuale will head to Pittsburgh after spending the last two seasons with the Patriots, most recently compiling a career-high 52 total tackles (24 solo), including 1.0 sacks, over 16 regular-season games in 2024. The defensive tackle will likely operate as a depth piece behind Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton in 2025.

Ekuale recorded 52 total tackles (24 solo), including 1.0 sacks, over 16 games in 2024.

The 31-year-old defensive lineman had the most productive season of his career with New England in 2024, surpassing his previous career high in total tackles by 38. Ekuale also played more than double his previous high for defensive snaps in a season (344 to 693), appearing in all but one of the Patriots' games. He's now set to hit unrestricted free agency after completing the final season of a two-year, $3.4 million deal with New England. Ekuale is expected to be an attractive target on the free-agent market for teams seeking interior defensive line help this offseason.

Ekuale (elbow) was a full practice participant Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against Miami.

Ekuale started the week with consecutive limited practices, but he finished strong with a full session Friday and will suit up for Sunday's AFC East clash. Ekuale has logged 13 tackles (five solo) over his last three outings since returning from a one-game absence due to an abdomen injury.

Ekuale was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to an elbow injury, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Ekuale appears to have sustained an elbow injury in the Patriots' Week 11 loss to the Rams, despite playing 40 total snaps (33 defensive and seven on special teams) and recording five total tackles. If the 29-year-old is unable to play through the issue in Sunday's divisional matchup against the Dolphins, expect Jeremiah Pharms to see additional work as one of the Patriots' top backup defensive ends.

Ekuale (abdomen) is absent from the Patriots' inactive list for Sunday's game against the Bears.

After missing the Patriots' Week 8 win over the Jets due to an abdominal injury, he was able to play through the issue against the Titans in Week 9. He opened the week with back-to-back limited practices but was upgraded to a full participant Friday, and the 30-year-old will suit up for Sunday's contest. Ekuale has logged a career-high 30 tackles (15 solo), including 1.0 sacks, over eight regular-season games.

Ekuale (abdomen) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Bears.

Ekuale upgraded to full practice Friday after opening the week with back-to-back limited sessions, so it appears he's trending toward playing in Sunday's contest. However, if the Washington State product is unable to play through his abdomen issue, expect Jeremiah Pharms and Deatrich Wise to see increased snaps with New England's first-team defensive line.

Ekuale finished with seven tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Titans.

The defensive lineman also played on more than 60 percent of the defensive snaps for the eighth time in his eight games this season. Ekuale already has a career-high 30 tackles (15 solo), including 1.0 sacks, in 2024.

Ekuale (abdomen) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's matchup with the Titans.

Ekuale missed the team's Week 8 win over the Jets due to an abdomen industry, but he was able to work up to being a full participant at practice Friday. The 30-year-old will likely be back in his starting role on New England's defensive line against Tennessee.

Ekuale (abdomen) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Ekuale likely sustained an abdomen injury in Patriots practice that forced him to miss Week 8's win over the Jets. However, Wednesday's limited session suggests he could return as soon as Week 9, when the Patriots face the Titans. His participation in practice Thursday and Friday will provide the best indication of whether he can suit up Sunday.

Ekuale (abdomen) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Jets, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Ekuale popped up on Thursday's injury report as a limited practice participant due to an abdomen injury. He downgraded to a DNP on Friday, and the 30-year-old will miss his first game of the 2024 regular season. Deatrich Wise is the top candidate to get the start at defensive end Sunday alongside Keion White, and Eric Johnson should see increased snaps on defense while serving in a rotational depth role.

Ekuale (biceps) is participating in the Patriots' organized team activities, Steven Senne of the Idaho State Journal reports.

Ekuale's season ended in September of last year after the Patriots placed him on injured reserve with a torn biceps. His participation at OTAs indicates his health is back up to par. The veteran defensive tackle is projected to provide depth on New England's interior defensive line this season.

The Patriots placed Ekuale (biceps) on injured reserve Tuesday.

Ekuale is feared to have suffered a torn biceps in Sunday's victory over the Jets. There has been no official timetable for recovery given, but his placement on IR is a sign it could be season-ending. His absence is expected to be a blow to the Patriots' interior defensive line depth.

Ekuale is feared to have suffered a torn biceps in Sunday's win over the Jets and is undergoing further tests to confirm the diagnosis, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Ekuale suffered the injury in the first half and was unable to return. Depending on the severity of the injury it's certainly possible the veteran nose tackle could be out for the remainder of the season, or at the least for several weeks. His absence would be a blow to the interior of the Patriots' defensive line, especially in regards to stopping the run.

Ekuale (elbow) is now listed as out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Jets, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

The rotational nose tackle made one stop in the first half before leaving. Ekuale joins starting nose tackle Davon Godchaux in the locker room, leaving Christian Barmore as New England's next available player at the position.

Ekuale departed Sunday's game against the Jets with an elbow injury.

Ekuale logged one tackle before exiting during the first half of Sunday's contest. The 29-year-old has been a rotational nose tackle over the past two seasons for the Patriots. Starting nose tackle Godchaux (ankle) also left during the first half against the Jets, which will leave Christian Barmore to step up into a much larger role in the middle of New England's defense for the time being.

Ekuale and the Patriots agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract Friday, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Ekuale will remain in New England after spending the last two seasons with the team. The defensive lineman appeared in 15 games with the Patriots in 2022, recording a career-high 14 tackles, including two sacks, while also deflecting a pass. Ekuale will likely continue to operate in a reserve role behind the likes of Lawrence Guy and Deatrich Wise in 2023.

Ekuale is available to play again after serving a two-game suspension to open the 2022 campaign, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Ekuale has not counted against the Patriots' 53-man roster while serving a two-game suspension for an undisclosed violation, though this exemption will come to an end this coming Wednesday. As a result, New England will need to open up a roster spot in order to keep the 28-year-old on the team. Otherwise, the Patriots would likely pursue a practice squad contract with Ekuale, who recorded five tackles including two sacks while playing 96 defensive snaps over nine games last season.

Ekuale was suspended for the first two games of the 2022 regular season for unspecified reasons, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Ekuale is set to miss New England's first two games against the Dolphins and Steelers while serving his league-imposed suspension, but will still be allowed to participate in New England's training camp and preseason games. The 28-year-old was perhaps the most important player on the Patriots' practice squad last season, notching five tackles and two sacks on 96 defensive snaps over seven regular-season elevations, and played in the team's opening-round playoff loss to Buffalo. Ekuale, who was used primarily as a rotational pass rusher in sub packages last season, can still show his potential value while competing for a roster spot this offseason.

Ekuale signed with the Patriots' practice squad Sunday.

Ekuale spent camp with the Jaguars but was let go at the end of August. The 27-year-old appeared in nine games with Jacksonville last year and totaled 13 tackles (six solo) and one sack.

Ekuale (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Ekuale hasn't played a game since being signed to the active roster in late September, as he's been hampered by an ankle injury. The Washington State product could have a chance to make his Jaguars debut Sunday against the Lions.

Ekuale (ankle) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Texans, John Oehser of the Jaguars' official site reports.

The 25-year-old missed Week 4 due to the ankle injury but returned to practice as a full participant Wednesday, but he ended up listed as questionable and will miss his second straight game. Ekuale was promoted from the practice squad in late September but has yet to see the field due to the injury.

Ekuale (ankle) wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report.

Ekuale appears ready to return to the lineup, and the Washington State product could make his season debut Sunday versus the Texans. He'll likely operate in a depth role if he happens to suit up.

Ekuale was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals with an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old was promoted from the practice squad at the start of the week, but he picked up the ankle injury and won't be available Sunday. Ekuale's absence shouldn't have much of an impact on Jacksonville's defensive rotations up front given his recent promotion.

Ekuale was promoted to the Jaguars' active roster Monday, Cole Pepper and Justin Barney of News 4 Jacksonville report.

Ekuale takes the roster spot vacated by linebacker Leon Jacobs (knee), who was placed on IR. The 26-year-old defensive tackle had four tackles as a member of the Browns in 2019.

Ekuale was placed on injured reserve Friday with a calf injury.

Ekuale recent returned from a concussion but he's now likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season with the calf issue. Eli Ankou signed with the Browns last week and figures to fill Ekuale's rotational role at defensive tackle.