PITTSBURGH — Deonte Banks had two strikes against him when he took the field Monday night to face the Steelers.

He picked up a third strike and as a result, he was benched by head coach Brian Daboll in the Giants’ 26-18 loss at Acrisure Stadium. 

In the second quarter, Banks went low and dove at the legs of running back Najee Harris, allowing Harris to leap over him for a pickup of 13 yards.

The play took place directly in front of the Giants sideline. Daboll immediately had words with Banks.

Not long after that, Greg Stroman, a practice squad elevation for the game, was in at cornerback and Banks was out.

Banks did not play thereafter. 

“I think he said it was missed tackles, I guess,’’ Banks said. “He really didn’t tell me what was going on, he just said stay ready I guess. 

“I didn’t really think I was playing bad, but it’s not my choice.’’ 

Daboll said it was not the hurdle by Harris that was the tipping point. 

“Just thought during that series we needed a little bit more, had a conversation with him and went with the other guys,’’ Daboll said. 

Daboll said “Yeah, I’d say so’’ when asked if Banks will remain in the starting lineup. 

This is a troubling development for the 2023 first-round draft pick.

Banks was called out twice earlier in the season for plays that displayed a lack of effort.

He failed to pursue receiver CeeDee Lamb after a 55-yard touchdown reception in a Week 4 loss to the Cowboys, drawing the ire of defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson on the sideline.

Last week, Banks failed to make a play as Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts ran up the sideline.

After that one, Daboll did not go public with any criticism of Banks, but nose tackle Dexter Lawrence said the issue had been addressed with Banks and the entire team was aware of it. 

Apparently, the message did not get through to Banks. 

“I just play football, if that’s what they wanted to do that’s what they did,’’ Banks said. 

Rookie RB Tyrone Tracy had a big game, with 20 carries for 145 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown, but he came off the field with 3:47 remaining to get checked out for a head injury. 

Once again, the Steelers (6-2) displayed their dominance and perfection in this exact scenario.

They are 15-0 playing at Acrisure Stadium on “Monday Night Football.’’

The last time they lost a home game on Monday night was back on Oct. 14, 1991, when the Giants beat them at Three Rivers Stadium. 

Josh Ezeudu’s assignment as the replacement at left tackle for Andrew Thomas lasted one game.

Ezeudu struggled last week against the Eagles and was pulled from the starting lineup.

Veteran addition Chris Hubbard got the start at left tackle against the Steelers. 

Hubbard, 30, signed with the Giants on Oct. 16 off the 49ers practice squad.

He came in with 58 starts in 94 games.

Hubbard in his first start for the Giants was matched up against outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and it was a struggle.

Highsmith had two sacks and six quarterback pressures.