LAS VEGAS — Officials threw Buffalo safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson out late in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Raiders after he spit toward Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers, though the Bills went on to win 33-30.
The two had been jawing between plays when an official threw a flag and announced the ejection. Replays showed Gardner-Johnson spitting while Bowers had turned away. Buffalo was ahead 13-10 at the time, and the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty moved Las Vegas from the Buffalo 29 to the 14 with 15 seconds left in the half. The Raiders kicked a field goal to pull even at the break.
Spitting draws an automatic ejection, and a suspension is possible if the league decides to add discipline. Gardner-Johnson told reporters afterward that he let his emotions get the best of him and hurt his team. It is the second ejection of his career, following a 2024 game against Washington while he played for Philadelphia. Buffalo is his sixth NFL team.
He was not the only player tossed Sunday. Kansas City cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace was sent off in the final period of the Chiefs win over the Chargers for what looked like a punch.
Injuries also mounted across the league. Atlanta rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels was taken off the field on a stretcher in the third quarter of a loss to Chicago with a neck injury; the Falcons said he was alert, could move his arms and legs and was taken to a hospital for more tests. Concussions sidelined two Chargers, wideout Ladd McConkey and defensive back Deane Leonard, and Chiefs right tackle Jaylon Moore entered the concussion protocol.
Philadelphia linebacker Nolan Smith left a loss to Carolina with a concussion, and Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis was ruled out with an ankle injury. Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner did not return from a calf injury against Tennessee, and Rams kicker Blake Grupe hurt his knee in his first game with Los Angeles.
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