Buccaneers’ Shilo Sanders ejected after throwing punch at Bills TE Zach Davidson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was ejected from Saturday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills after an unnecessary-roughness call.

The undrafted rookie out of Colorado, fighting for a roster spot, got tangled up with Bills tight end Zach Davidson during a block. After some shoving, Sanders swung with an open hand at Davidson’s helmet. Another angle showed Davidson had his fingers inside Sanders’ face mask during the tussle. Linebacker John Bullock tried to pull Sanders away as he was tossed late in the second quarter.

Here is the play that got Shilo Sanders ejected. pic.twitter.com/7LRplnywzo

— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) August 24, 2025

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles argued Davidson should have been penalized as well, but officials stood by the ejection. Sanders had already been flagged for defensive pass interference. The Bills scored an 11-yard touchdown one play after his exit.

Listed as a third-stringer on Tampa Bay’s unofficial depth chart, Sanders is battling Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom for the final safety spot behind Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith and Christian Izien. The outburst won’t help his chances of sticking.

Sanders has recorded only three solo tackles in the preseason and will have to wait until Tuesday afternoon to see if he made the 53-man roster.

The Buccaneers went on to lose their final preseason game 23-19.

(Photo: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)