Part 8/12:
One plausible theory is that the decision not to elevate Sanders may involve an underlying agenda—perhaps related to roster management, team chemistry, or even shielding Sanders from perception as a distraction. The NFL often involves nuanced motives: teams might avoid promoting a rookie to prevent potential disruption, or they might want to keep certain options open for a future trade or draft maneuver.
If Sanders is viewed as a future asset, then leaving him on the third string could be an attempt to keep his market value high or prevent other teams from claiming him. Conversely, some suggest that the team might be reluctant to trust him in critical moments, thus limiting his opportunities despite proven ability to execute basic game plans.