Shilo Sanders' Punch Could Cost Him Buccaneers Roster Spot

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Shilo Sanders was ejected from Saturday's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills after throwing a punch at tight end Zach Davidson.

The Incident Details

The ejection occurred with 6:59 remaining in the first half on a 2nd-and-9 play from the Tampa Bay 23-yard line. Bills quarterback Shane Buechele completed a one-yard pass to wide receiver Elijah Moore.

Downfield, Davidson blocked Sanders and continued pushing him after the play. Camera angles showed Davidson appeared to make contact with Sanders' facemask during the block. Sanders responded by throwing a punch, resulting in an immediate ejection.

Roster Implications

Sanders is competing for a spot on Tampa Bay's final 53-man roster. Current predictions from NFL analysts suggest his roster chances have diminished:

• Scott Reynolds (Pewter Report): Projects Sanders to practice squad

• JC Allen (Tampa Bay Buccaneers on SI): Also predicts practice squad placement

Preseason Performance Stats

Sanders appeared in all three of Tampa Bay's preseason games:

vs Tennessee Titans (29-7 win):

• 1 solo tackle

• 1 quarterback hit

vs Pittsburgh Steelers (17-14 win):

• 2 solo tackles

vs Buffalo Bills:

• 1 solo tackle before ejection

Background and College Stats

Sanders joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent from Colorado, where his father Deion Sanders serves as head coach. The elder Sanders is a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Colorado career totals (2 seasons):

• 137 total tackles (99 solo)

• 5 forced fumbles

• 1 sack

• 1 interception returned 80 yards for touchdown

Current Roster Battle

Sanders has remained with the Buccaneers throughout training camp and preseason, competing for a safety position on the depth chart. With final roster cuts approaching, the ejection comes at a critical time for his NFL aspirations.

The incident adds uncertainty to Sanders' immediate future as Tampa Bay finalizes their 53-man roster ahead of the regular season.