Shilo Sanders ejected in preseason finale as roster cuts loom

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders saw his night cut short on Saturday after being ejected in the second quarter of the team’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. The undrafted rookie out of Colorado was tossed after throwing a punch at Buffalo tight end Zach Davidson following a physical exchange downfield.

Officials flagged Sanders immediately for unsportsmanlike conduct, sending him to the locker room. The incident came on the heels of an earlier defensive pass interference penalty, capping a frustrating night for the son of Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders.

“You can’t throw punches in this league. It’s inexcusable. They’re gonna get you every time,” Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said postgame. “You gotta grow from that.”

Sanders, known in college for his aggressive style and ability to generate turnovers, had impressed in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener with his energy and playmaking instincts. But in a crowded safety room, every rep carries weight, and Bowles’ comments underscored the reality that discipline is just as important as physicality for young players fighting to earn roster spots.

The ejection also highlighted a difficult day for both sons of “Coach Prime” in the NFL preseason. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, drafted in the fifth round by Cleveland, completed three of six passes for just 14 yards while taking five sacks against Minnesota.

For Shilo, the road back will depend on showing he can channel his aggressive edge productively. The Buccaneers value toughness in the secondary, but mental mistakes in high-visibility moments can be costly.