Pittsburgh Steelers backup nose tackle Daniel Ekuale, who is on season-ending injured reserve with an ACL tear, has been suspended five games by the NFL for violating its policy on performance enhancing drugs.
The suspension is without pay.
Ekuale, 31, signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract in free agency. He appeared in seven games before he was injured against the Green Bay Packers. He had six tackles and one pass breakup while playing 14% of the defensive snaps.
Ekuale spent the previous four seasons with the New England Patriots. He also has played for Cleveland and Jacksonville.
