The Colorado Buffaloes were beaten up on Saturday night against Nebraska. There are no two ways around that. Unfortunately, the Buffs sustained more than just a loss in the record books when star safety Shilo Sanders suffered an injury and left the game in the first half.
Further updates indicated Sanders’ injury was more severe than anticipated.
What Happened to Shilo Sanders?
The play in question came when Nebraska RB Dante Dowdell burst through the line of scrimmage and left with only Sanders as the last line of defense. Known for his hitting prowess, Sanders successfully made the run fill and brought down Dowdell but paid the price.
Dante Dowdell runs through Shiloh Sanders, and Shiloh breaks his forearm
— RaiolaFC (@Angler28_) September 8, 2024
In this angle, you can see the field-level view of Dowdell being brought down by Sanders, but clearly, Sanders took the brunt of the hit.
The original broadcast angle showcases a bit more of what happened to Sanders.
Pretty sure this is the play where Shilo Sanders got his arm broken. Like we used to say when we were little, “he got ranned over..” Colorado’s front 7 is sorry as hell. No way a dude should get that kind of downhill bead on a lone DB like that. He didn’t have a chance.
Not for… pic.twitter.com/ObWYLIEDdg
— Apex Jones (@ApexJones22) September 8, 2024
Here, it’s clear that Sanders makes the stop and uses his forearm to shield his body from the impact. It was that impact, however, that broke Sanders’ forearm in the process.
Head coach Deion Sanders and Shilo’s father updated the status of his safety following the game, speaking with NBC Sports on the broadcast his thoughts.
“(Shilo) has a broken forearm and he won’t return in this game,” Sanders said.
Following the game, it was confirmed that he would need surgery to repair his broken forearm.
How Long Will Shilo Sanders Be Out?
Typically, it’s thought for broken forearms to require anywhere from three to six months to recover. Even at the shortest timeline, that puts Sanders’ back to form in December, most likely with the Buffaloes eyeing a bowl game.
At the longest stint of recovery, Sanders wouldn’t be prepared to see the field until the spring, or when he’s preparing for the NFL Draft.
Before any of that, a successful surgery was the next step in the line before Sanders even thought about returning to the field. According to Coach Prime, that surgery took place on Monday following the Nebraska game.
God is Good! Can’t wait to see u back ready to go. Love ya son! @ShiloSanders @DeionSandersJr pic.twitter.com/gm4joshAXX
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) September 9, 2024
CFN will update with any news from Boulder on the status of Sanders’ potential return to the field when those are made available.
How Does Colorado Replace Sanders?
Following Sanders’ exit from the game, it was Carter Stoutmire to take the snaps from the free safety position. In his stead, Stoutmire saw the most action he’d seen since starting a single game last year against Arizona State.
MORE: Shedeur Sanders Injury Update: Star QB’s Week 3 Status Unknown
Though Stoutmire played admirably in a pinch, the impact felt from not having Colorado’s biggest hitter and loudest voice (next to Travis Hunter) was clearly felt. The Buffs will look to rotate Stoutmire and Idaho State transfer Herman Smith in the backfield rotation with Sanders out.
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