Commanders Sign Daniel Ekuale to Practice Squad
Washington adds former Steelers defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale to its practice squad after promoting Ricky Barber to the active roster.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football
The Washington Commanders signed defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale to the practice squad on Wednesday. The move filled an opening created when Ricky Barber was promoted to the active roster.
Why it matters
The signing gives Ekuale a return to the NFL after a season-ending injury and a free agency stretch since March. It also adds depth to Washington's defensive line as the team manages its practice squad.
Ekuale recorded 6 combined tackles, one quarterback hit and one pass defense in seven games for the Steelers in 2025 before a season-ending Week 8 injury. He received a five-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance policy.
The players
Daniel Ekuale
Daniel Ekuale is a defensive tackle who has played for five NFL teams and has started 21 career games.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are a professional football team in the National Football League based in Washington, D.C.
The details
Ekuale, a former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, signed with the Commanders after trying out for multiple teams this fall. The Commanders are his fifth NFL team, and the signing filled the practice squad opening created by Barber's promotion.
Timeline
2024: Ekuale made a career-high 16 starts with New England.
March 2026: Ekuale became a free agent while recovering from injury.
2025 Week 8: Ekuale suffered a season-ending injury with the Steelers.
Nov. 4, 2026: Ekuale signed with the Washington Commanders practice squad.
Roadmap
Practice squad signings like this one follow the NFL's standard mechanism, where a promotion to the active roster opens a slot that teams fill with available players. Ekuale's move reflects how veteran defensive linemen with limited recent availability often cycle through multiple teams before finding a stable role.
Ekuale's practice squad status means he will not count toward the active roster but can be elevated for game days. Fantasy managers tracking Washington's defensive tackles should note that his role is unconfirmed.
The takeaway
Practice squad moves like this one show how NFL teams fill depth gaps quickly after roster changes. Readers following Washington's defense should watch whether Ekuale is elevated for upcoming games.
Further reading
For more NFL roster moves and team news, see Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
