The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to end their drought of playoff wins before it reaches a full decade, with their last playoff victory coming back in 2016. Unfortunately for the Steelers and thier fans, last weekend saw them cede their place at the top of the AFC North standings to the Baltimore Ravens, who have gotten a major boost from the return of star quarterback Lamar Jackson from injury.
Now, the Steelers are going to have to figure out how to manufacture a victory while dealing with new distractions, as one of their defensive contributors has been suspended for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy, according to one prominent team insider.
“Steelers DT Daniel Ekuale, who is on IR with a season-ending injury, has been suspended without pay for the club’s next five games by the NFL for violating the league’s Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy,” reported Gerry Dulac.
Steelers DT Daniel Ekuale, who is on IR with a season-ending injury, has been suspended without pay for the club’s next five games by the NFL for violating the league's Performance-Enhancing Substances Policy.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) November 25, 2025
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“If the way this is worded is truly accurate, then the NFL is the dumb one for not letting him play while he physically can’t play,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Lma0 this SZN man,” someone else added.
“big ole, hey man, ya can’t do that,” another fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Steelers are able to manufacture a playoff win or if the streak continues.