Steelers Defensive Tackle Confident His Season Will Finish the Way He Wants It to
DeMarvin Leal started this season on the practice squad. Now, he’ll have a chance to contribute in future games this season. The Steelers released Leal during their final roster cuts in August. Then, they signed him to their practice squad. Leal has been at every practice this year. The team moved Leal to their active roster on Wednesday. Alex Highsmith and Isaiahh Loudermilk suffered high ankle sprains during the Steelers' home opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Highsmith is expected to be out until after the team’s bye week, which is in Week Five. The Steelers placed Loudermilk on the Reserve/Injured list.
Leal remarked, “The season didn’t start the way I wanted it to, but it shall finish the way I want it to.” He added, “I definitely have made some strides at the edge. Just being there, being more comfortable, getting back into my bag, just being a straight edge, so it’s been good. I can’t wait to show it.” Leal commented on the team’s plan for him. He said, “They just want me to help stop the run, help make this defense be what it should be and what it can be. We’ll move on forward and keep this season rolling.”
The former Aggie only played in five games last season before suffering an injury that kept him out for the remainder of the year. The Steelers selected Leal in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Throughout his NFL career thus far, Leal has played in 28 regular-season games. He’s amassed 20 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, one sack, and four passes defended. Leal may get a chance to play in the game on Sunday. The Steelers play the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. EST.
Leal played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies. He started in 12 games in 2021. He was named a consensus All-American the same year. He was also named first-team All-SEC in 2021. Leal played in 35 games at Texas A&M. During his collegiate career, he amassed 59 solo tackles, 73 assisted tackles, 13 sacks, one interception, and five passes defended. He also tallied two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
