Buccaneers’ Shilo Sanders Loses Cool: Ejected for Punching Buffalo’s Zach Davidson

Sanders, an undrafted free agent from Colorado is vying for a spot on Tampa Bay’s active roster or practice squad.

Unfortunately, Sanders wasn’t available for comment following the game.

As tensions flared, teammate linebacker John Bullock attempted to de-escalate the situation, while Coach Todd Bowles locked eyes with Sanders as he headed to the sideline late in the second quarter. Bowles later discussed the incident following Tampa Bay’s 23-19 loss.

“You can’t throw punches in this league. It’s inexcusable. They’re gonna get you every time.” He stated via ESPN’s Jenna Laine. “You gotta grow from that.”

Sanders is vying for the last safety spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster, competing with Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom. However, Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, and Christian Izien are likely securing the top three safety positions. Sanders’ chances of making the cut have diminished after his ejection in the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, where he was also flagged for defensive pass interference in the first quarter.

The BR Rub

The Buccaneers lost the game Saturday evening, Sanders may have lost his chance at the 53-man roster. This was one of those mistakes you can’t make while on the bubble. Sanders knows better, apparent by his unwillingness to face the media following the game. That is also unacceptable. Mistakes happen. Tempers flare and get the best of people. But accountability is a character thing.

And this is why the punch came as a shock. Sanders had shown nothing but solid character since arriving in Tampa. Was it a heat of the moment thing? Is Sanders feeling the pressure of being on the bubble? Only he knows that.

But lets not eat his lunch completely. Sanders has a lot of potential. He also has a lot to work on. Whether or not he sticks with the Buccaneers in some capacity is still in question. But Saturday night he definitely learned he wasn’t in Colorado anymore.