Shilo Sanders ejected after throwing punch at Bills TE Zach Davidson

Story by

Story by
Shilo Sanders ejected after throwing punch at Bills TE Zach Davidson

Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Sun, Aug 24, 2025 ·

1 min read

About Our Ads

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

Sanders' ejection occurred at the end of a play that saw Bills quarterback Shane Buechele throw a 1-yard pass to Elijah Moore . Sanders was engaged with Davidson, who was blocking him and continued to push the rookie safety down the field after Moore had already been tackled.

After Davidson delivered a final push to Sanders, the Colorado product took a swing at the 6-7 tight end. He landed a blow to the left side of Davidson's helmet, prompting an immediate flag from the officials.

Sanders was quickly disqualified from the contest, bringing to an end his first NFL preseason. The Bills scored an 11-yard touchdown one play after his exit from the game.

Carolina Panthers quarterbacks Andy Dalton (14) and Bryce Young (9) watch from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) runs the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom (22) and linebacker Bam Martin-Scott (57) attempt to tackle him.
(Allison Lawhon, Imagn Images)

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear (3) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) and safety Miles Killebrew (28).
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)

New England Patriots quarterback Ben Wooldridge (17) throws a pass against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)

New York Giants tight end Greg Dulcich (89) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (0).
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) throws a pass against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance McCutcheon (82) catches the ball for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback Shemar Bartholomew (27) follows close behind.
(Allison Lawhon, Imagn Images)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jack Plummer (16) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
(Allison Lawhon, Imagn Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) stretches back for the yard marker while tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (75).
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear (3) runs through the middle against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) looks for an opening as he is chased by Carolina Panthers cornerback Corey Thornton (31) and linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53).
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)

Former NFL quarterback and member of the Prime "Thursday Night Football" crew, Ryan Fitzpatrick, hangs out with fans before the preseason game between the New York Giants and New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium.
(Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images)

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. throws during pregame warmups before the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles was asked during a postgame news conference about his message to Sanders after the play.

"You can't throw punches in this league. I mean, that's inexcusable," Bowles said . "They're gonna get you every time. Gotta grow from that."

Sanders racked up three total tackles across his three preseason games with the Buccaneers, as he battled for a spot on Tampa Bay 's 53-man roster. He was listed as a third-string safety behind Antonie Winfield Jr. , Tykee Smith , Kaevon Merriweather and Christian Izien on the Buccaneers' most recent depth chart update .

Now, the 25-year-old rookie's wait to see if he made Tampa Bay's 53-man roster will begin in earnest.

All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shilo Sanders ejected after throwing punch at Bills' Zach Davidson

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by:

Shilo Sanders ejected after throwing punch at Bills TE Zach Davidson

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason

All the action from Week 3 of NFL preseason