Leal was waived by the Steelers on Thursday.
Leal appeared in three games with the Steelers after being signed to the active roster Sept. 17, recording two total tackles (one solo) while playing 17 snaps on defense and nine with the special-teams unit. The defensive lineman will now be placed on waivers, and if he goes unclaimed, he'll likely stick around with the practice squad in Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Signed off practice squad
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The Steelers signed Leal from their practice squad Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
The 2022 third-round pick from Texas A&M has appeared in 28 regular-season games for the Steelers over his NFL career, recording 33 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, and four passes defended. Now back with the team's active roster, Leal is expected to play a depth role on Pittsburgh's defensive line.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Back at full health
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Leal (neck) told reporters Wednesday that he feels "100 percent," Aaron Becker of SteelersNow.com reports.
The 24-year-old missed Pittsburgh's final 12 regular-season games in 2024 due to a neck injury, but he now appears to be past the issue. Leal played just 76 total snaps (50 defensive and 26 on special teams) over five games in 2024, recording four total tackles. He's expected to compete for a depth role on the Steelers' defensive line throughout the summer.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Done for season
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Leal (neck) is not expected to return this season, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
Leal suffered a neck injury back in Week 5 and was placed on injured reserve. A third-round pick in 2022 by Pittsburgh, Leal recorded four tackles (two solo) across five games prior to his injury. The 2025 campaign is currently set to be the final year of his rookie contract.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Lands on IR
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Leal (neck) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Teresa Varley of Pittsburgh's official site reports.
Leal suffered a neck stinger against Dallas in Week 5, and the issue has been deemed serious enough for the defensive lineman to move to IR. As a result, he'll miss at least the Steelers' next four contests, with a Nov. 17 matchup versus Baltimore being his earliest possible return date. Montravius Adams could see more defensive snaps while Leal is sidelined.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Won't play at Las Vegas
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Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Leal (neck) is out for Sunday's game at Las Vegas, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.
Leal was forced out of Sunday's game versus the Cowboys early with a neck issue, which will hold him out of action entirely in Week 6. Montravius Adams will likely see an uptick in reps in his absence.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Likely done for night
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Leal is doubtful to return to Sunday's contest against the Cowboys due to a neck stinger.
Leal suffered the injury in the fourth quarter and will finish the game with one tackle.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Returns to practice
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Leal (concussion) was a full participant in Pittsburgh's practice Wednesday, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
Leal has cleared the concussion protocol after missing the Steelers' Week 5 win versus Baltimore. The 23-year-old has logged 10 tackles (eight solo), including a sack, in four games and will look to increase those totals against the Rams on Sunday.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Sitting out Week 5
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Leal (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's contest against Baltimore, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Leal won't suit up this Sunday as he continues to recover from the concussion he suffered during the Steelers' Week 4 loss to Houston. Veteran Armon Watts is likely to start on Pittsburgh's defensive line in Leal's stead.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Not on injury report Thursday
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Leal (elbow) was not listed on Pittsburgh's injury report Thursday ahead of Monday's game versus the Browns, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
After sustaining an elbow injury during Sunday's 30-7 loss versus San Francisco, Leal will apparently be at full strength for Week 2. His primary assignment Monday will be to slow down Nick Chubb and Cleveland's hard-nosed rushing attack.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Coming back from IR
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Pittsburgh activated Leal (knee) from its injured reserve list Saturday ahead of Sunday's game at Atlanta, Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
After missing the Steelers' last six games recovering from an ankle injury, Leal appears poised to return to action in Week 13 at the Falcons. The rookie third-rounder should fill a rotational role on the defensive line against a run-heavy Atlanta offense.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Returns from IR
Rotowire
The Steelers designated Leal (knee) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
Leal was placed on IR with a knee injury ahead of Pittsburgh's Week 6 win over Tampa Bay. Now, the rookie defensive lineman will have a 21-day window to practice and be restored to the active roster, or else he'll revert to season-ending injured reserve. Leal recorded nine tackles and three passes defended in a rotational role over the first five games of the season, and his earliest opportunity to play will come Sunday against the Bengals.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Placed on IR
Rotowire
Leal (knee) was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday.
After being ruled out of Sunday's matchup against the Bucs due to a knee injury, the Steelers have now placed him on IR. Through the first five games of his rookie season, Leal has logged nine tackles and three pass breakups. Isaiahh Loudermilk could take over Leal's defensive end duties Sunday.
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Steelers' DeMarvin Leal: Out for Week 6
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Leal (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against Tampa Bay, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
Leal has been active for each of the first five games of his rookie season, and he's served as a rotational player along the defensive line. He's tallied nine total tackles with three passes defended. Isaiahh Loudermilk -- regularly a healthy scratch -- could suit up to fill in as a result of Leal's absence.
