TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Shilo Sanders was ejected from the preseason game in Tampa Bay against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night after throwing a punch at Zach Davidson during the second quarter. This incident has raised concerns about Sanders' future with the Buccaneers as he is currently competing for a roster spot.
Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, is making a significant effort to secure a place on the Tampa Bay roster, especially since he went undrafted out of the University of Colorado, where he played under his father's guidance. Unfortunately, his actions during the game could jeopardize his chances of making the final cut.
The game saw Sanders already facing challenges before the ejection, having received a penalty for pass interference early in the match. After engaging in a scuffle with Davidson, which included pushing and shoving, Sanders was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after he threw a punch, leading to his immediate removal from the game.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles commented on the situation, stating, “You can’t throw punches in this league. It’s inexcusable. They’re gonna get you every time. You gotta grow from that.” His remarks highlight the expectations and discipline required in the NFL, especially for young players vying for a position.
Prior to the incident, Shilo Sanders had shown promise during his debut in the preseason opener for the Buccaneers, showcasing his skills as a hard-hitting and playmaking safety. However, with lots of competition for spots in the Tampa Bay lineup, this ejection certainly complicates his pursuit of a position on the team. Coaches and analysts are now likely to weigh this incident heavily in their evaluations.
In a related note, it was a challenging day for both of Deion Sanders' sons. Shedeur Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, struggled as well, completing just 3 of 6 passes for a meager 14 yards and enduring five sacks during his playtime.
The events surrounding Shilo Sanders and his ejection serve as a reminder of the high-pressure environment that NFL players operate in, particularly those who are young and fighting for their careers. As they attempt to establish themselves in the league, incidents like these can have significant repercussions on their prospects.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the focus will now shift to assessing their roster options and potential adjustments, as they navigate the remainder of the preseason. The coaching staff, including Todd Bowles, will need to evaluate not only their players' performance on the field but also their temperament and ability to handle the high stakes of professional football.
