Eku

Leota

Leal was replaced on the active roster by OLB Ade Ogundeji. Pittsburgh is also elevating RB Jonathan Ward and OLB Eku Leota from the practice squad this week. The Steelers now have 13 players on injured reserve.

Leota was released on Tuesday despite currently leading the Panthers with one sack on the season. He could get another chance on the active roster at some point this season.

Leota currently leads the Panthers in sacks, but he has one sack. He’s just the only one with a full sack credited to him. Leota has four total tackles and was third on the depth chart at outside linebacker, but it’s still a bit of a curious move at this point in the season.

Leota (6'4/250) provided additional depth up front for the Wildcats during each of the last two seasons, with the 2020 campaign being his most productive. In eight games the redshirt sophomore accounted for 13 total tackles (ten solo, 5.5 for loss), 4.0 sacks, one forced fumble and four quarterback hurries. Leota’s best performance came in Northwestern’s November 14 win over Purdue, as he racked up two sacks and a forced fumble. In that game, Leota became the first Wildcat in more than four years to account for at least two sacks and one forced fumble in the same game. The talented pass rusher will have three years of eligibility remaining at Auburn.

Leota (6'4/250) provided additional depth up front for the Wildcats during each of the last two seasons, with the 2020 campaign being his most productive. In eight games the redshirt sophomore accounted for 13 total tackles (ten solo, 5.5 for loss), 4.0 sacks, one forced fumble and four quarterback hurries. Leota’s best performance came in Northwestern’s November 14 win over Purdue, as he racked up two sacks and a forced fumble. In that game, Leota became the first Wildcat in more than four years to account for at least two sacks and one forced fumble in the same game. Leota will have three seasons of eligibility remaining at his next stop should he go through with a transfer, as he is still listed on Northwestern’s official online roster.