The first week of preseason is usually a tame affair for most teams. Most superstars get limited playing time in lieu of avoiding any injury risks, while eams are unlikely to throw the kitchen sink into a relatively meaningless game. However, it is still an excellent opportunity to assess the new players assembling onto the roster, particularly as part of the rookie class.
This year, though, marked a special occasion as two second-generation stars from the same family, Shilo and Shedeur Sanders, were trying to earn a spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, respectively.
For the elder of the two, preseason offered him a chance to elevate from the practice squad to the official 53-man roster, whereas Shedeur was trying to elevate himself out of one of the worst draft day slides in modern NFL history. When the dust settled, which brother had accomplished what he set out to do?
How Did Shilo Sanders and Shedeur Sanders Do in Their Preseason Debuts?
The legendary Deion Sanders won two Super Bowls, was named the ‘Defensive Player of the Year,’ and was rightfully inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, his relationship with football was far from over after his playing career ended.
Eventually, he found himself in a head coaching role with the Colorado Buffaloes, where he was coaching his two sons. At the 2025 NFL Draft, his quarterback son was taken in the fifth round by the Browns, whereas Shilo was signed to the Bucs as an undrafted free agent.
Getting their first taste of NFL action, how did the two do?
Shedeur Sanders
For a player who received projections as a first-round pick, and whose father promised he would go in the top five, Sanders’ fall to the 144th overall pick was a mindblowing event during the draft.
Immediately, he entered fourth in a race for the QB1 spot in Cleveland against Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel (94th pick). Throughout the offseason, the youngster worked hard to win over the coaching staff, but to no avail.
While there were quite a few positives about his game, head coach Kevin Stefanski was reportedly dealing with him as the fourth option on the list. But fate had different ideas by the time the first week of the preseason rolled around.
However, in a bid to protect the projected Week 1 starter, Flacco, while Pickett and Gabriel already dealt with injuries themselves, Stefanski gave Sanders the starting job against the Carolina Panthers.
Despite questions about his ability to carry an offense at the NFL level, along with the limited reps he’d gotten with the first team in training camp, Sanders took the metaphorical ball and ran with it.
Playing a little more than a half, he turned in an excellent performance, tallying 138 yards and two touchdowns, while completing 14 of 23 passes. He was also effective with his legs, adding 19 yards on four scrambles.
Shedeur Sanders to Kaden Davis for the touchdown:
pic.twitter.com/jsu33MRyps— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 8, 2025
The highlight of the night was a moving throw into a tight window on the left to wide receiver Kaden Davis that had the entire sporting world jumping out of their seats. His performance might not supersede that of a former Super Bowl champion, Joe Flacco.
However, it might have done enough to give Stefanski pause on his standing in the current Browns quarterback hierarchy.
Shilo Sanders
The road for the elder of the two Sanders brothers entering the league as rookies this year was a bit more complicated. Unlike Shedeur, Shilo wasn’t selected in the draft at all. Instead, he signed with Tampa Bay to their practice squad.
But for a team trying to find its identity on the defensive end, the rookie safety had a sound chance of legitimately cracking the 53-man roster. Head coach Todd Bowles even outright stated that Sanders had a chance, depending on his performance in the preseason.
His first bit of action came in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. As both coaches emptied out the benches in the second half, the Colorado star was on the field for virtually all of the Buccaneers’ defensive possessions.
His night started off hot when he got a brutal quarterback hit on backup Brandon Allen. That one play was enough to set social media ablaze, with fans predicting a roster spot was incoming for the second-generation star.
Shilo Sanders 💥
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/yZnEBJVPEP
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025
However, beyond that one hit, Sanders only recorded one additional solo tackle from a statistical standpoint. But his work in the field caught a lot of people’s eyes, as he put in consistently excellent reps.
One game might not be enough to guarantee him a spot on the roster immediately. But being a major part of the defense as they forced a complete shutout in the second half has to account for something.
After Bowles confirmed that the preseason games would be like “tests” for Sanders, the general consensus was that he would pass with flying colors.
What Does Their Performance Mean for the Sanders Brothers?
One preseason game isn’t going to change the entire mindset that their respective head coaches have heading into the season. However, both the Sanders brothers put on a show during their respective preseason debuts.
On their trajectory to becoming stars in the league, a solid showing in their first taste of NFL action was the first step. Thankfully, they met the moment and gave both Stefanski and Bowles ample time to think.
From a statistical perspective, Shedeur had a wildly impressive game against Carolina, recording two touchdowns with some impressive passes and drive-extending scrambles as well.