"Shilo Sanders looks like a practice squad safety" - Bucs insider delivers bad news for Coach Prime's son on his 53-man roster spot

By Arnold

Modified Aug 18, 2025 02:12 GMT

NFL: Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Source: Imagn — Bucs insider delivers bad news for Coach Prime's son on his 53-man roster spot - Source: Imagn

Shilo Sanders signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent this offseason. However, it appears the safety might not make the cut for Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster for the upcoming season, according to Buccaneers insider Scott Reynolds.

In an article for "Pewter Report" on Sunday, Reynolds wrote that Sanders is likely to serve as a practice-squad member for the Buccaneers in 2025 unless he delivers something impressive in the team’s final preseason game.

"Sanders looks like a practice squad safety right now and really needs to show up with a big play or two against Buffalo in the preseason finale in order to make his case for inclusion in the 53-man roster," Reynolds wrote.

Sanders made his preseason debut for Tampa Bay against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 9. He recorded one quarterback hit and one solo tackle.

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In the Buccaneers’ preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, Sanders recorded two solo tackles after entering in the third quarter.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles weighs in on Shilo Sanders' preseason performances

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders - Source: Imagn

After the Buccaneers' 17-14 preseason win over the Steelers on Saturday, Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles weighed in on Shilo Sanders.

“Shilo’s very aggressive, very young, very hungry," Bowles said. "He can make plays in the box, and we know he can run down and give us 100% on special teams. This last week is going to be very important for those guys to show up.”

The Buccaneers will play their preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. It will be Sanders’ last chance to prove his worth to Bowles and the Tampa Bay staff before the regular season.

Sanders signed a reported three-year, $2.96 million contract with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Still, there is uncertainty about whether the former Colorado safety will make the 53-man roster for the upcoming season.

About the author

Arnold is a journalist covering College Sports and the NFL at Sportskeeda. He has been with the company since August 2022.

Arnold graduated with a degree in Mass Media from MIC. As a sports fanatic, he pursued writing to express his thoughts and opinions on sports events across the globe. He has also worked at Wizcraft and Publicis.

Arnold began supporting the Kansas City Chiefs after watching Patrick Mahomes lead them to Super Bowl glory in 2020. He also has a soft corner for the New York Yankees since he's lived in New York for two years. Arnold's favorite coach of all time is Andy Reid, and the Chiefs dynasty looks far from over.

In his free time, Arnold enjoys reading, exercising, and traveling. He follows several other sports including football, cricket, tennis, basketball, boxing and F1.

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Edited by Arnold