Jordan Battle of the Bengals hits a fumble return for a TD in a win over the Titans, losing the ball just before crossing into the end zone

Jordan Battle had a long fumble recovery for a touchdown in their win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon.

At least he did until he crossed the goal line.

The Cincinnati Bengals safety recovered a fumble from running back Tony Pollard in the second half of their 37-27 win Sunday at Nissan Stadium and ran it back 61 yards for what looked like a sure touchdown. But when he was just inches from the end zone, Battle lost control of the ball and actually sent it flying out of the back of the end zone.

All Battle needed was one more step. Instead, he gave the ball right back to the Titans for a touchback.

That would have been Battle’s first career touchdown. The second-year safety from Alabama totaled 71 tackles and one interception as a rookie last season. Battle had 10 total tackles in Sunday’s win, bringing his total to 45 tackles this season.

Despite Battle’s fumble, the Bengals still had full control of the game. Titans quarterback Will Levis was intercepted on a touchdown earlier on the drive, giving the Bengals a 16-point lead late in the third quarter. They then cruised to a 10-point win that looked better on paper after Titans backup quarterback Mason Rudolph hit Josh Whyle for a 13-yard touchdown as time expired in the fourth quarter.

Joe Burrow went 26 of 37 for 271 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions for the Bengals. He also hit receiver Ja’Marr Chase nine times for 94 yards. Chase Brown rushed for another 97 yards on 25 carries and scored two total touchdowns in the win. The Bengals now hold a 6-8 record and have won in consecutive weeks, keeping them in the hunt for a playoff spot.

The Titans, on the other hand, have lost five of their last six games and are just 3-11 this season. Rudolph went 21 of 26 for 209 yards with two touchdowns and an interception after replacing Levis, who threw three interceptions before leaving the game.