Aug 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders (28) looks on during a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Shilo Sanders faced significant criticism from Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles following an ejection during the team’s final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 26, 2023. Sanders was removed from the game in the second quarter after he threw a punch at Bills tight end Zach Davidson. The incident occurred after Davidson continued to block Sanders long after the play had concluded, prompting an emotional reaction from the rookie safety.
The ejection proved costly for the Buccaneers. Sanders’ actions not only resulted in a personal foul penalty for unnecessary roughness but also set up a touchdown for the Bills, who capitalized on the penalty by scoring on the next play from the Buccaneers’ 11-yard line. Tampa Bay ultimately lost the game 23-19, leaving the coaching staff to reflect on the implications of Sanders’ behavior for his chances of making the 53-man roster.
In the aftermath of the game, Bowles did not hold back in his assessment of Sanders’ actions. He labeled the punch as “inexcusable,” emphasizing the need for discipline in the NFL. Bowles stated, “You can’t throw punches in this league. That’s inexcusable. They’re going to get you every time. Gotta grow from that,” as reported by Scott Smith of the Buccaneers’ official website.
The ejection was just one part of a challenging evening for Sanders. He was already facing scrutiny due to a pass interference penalty during a drive that led to another touchdown for the Bills. In total, Sanders recorded two penalties against him and only one tackle throughout the game. This performance capped a preseason where he managed just four tackles across multiple outings.
Before the game, Bowles indicated that Sanders was in competition with teammates Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom for the fourth safety spot on the roster. The ejection and subsequent penalties may have severely impacted Sanders’ chances of securing a place on the team, as this incident raised concerns about his readiness for the rigors of the professional league.
Despite the setback, Bowles believes that Sanders can learn from this experience. The 25-year-old rookie is still adapting to the demands of the NFL, and Bowles suggested that the practice squad could be a suitable option for Sanders as he works to refine his skills and judgment in a high-pressure environment. As the Buccaneers prepare for the regular season, all eyes will be on Sanders to see if he can rebound from this difficult moment in his early career.
