The Baltimore Ravens have been inching back into playoff contention in recent weeks. On Thanksgiving, they were tasked with a divisional matchup that could put them two games over .500.
Facing a porous Cincinnati Bengals defense at home, the Ravens certainly had some offensive advantages on paper for Thanksgiving. However, with a 7-6 lead in the second quarter, Baltimore had a tough break.
Tight end Isaiah Likely appeared to have scored a 44-yard touchdown on a sprint down the field, but upon further review, he lost control of the football just inches before the goal line.
Here's a look at Likely's unfortunate fumble that cost Baltimore possession against Cincinnati on Thanksgiving.
MORE:Updated look at the Ravens' playoff outlook
Isaiah Likely fumble vs. Bengals
Baltimore had a 7-6 lead in the second quarter of Thursday's matchup, benefiting from a Derrick Henry touchdown run before a pair of Bengals field goals. A Lamar Jackson fumble had already hurt the Ravens, though -- and soon enough, a second fumble deterred their offensive game plan.
Jackson hit Likely in-stride, and the tight end had a clear path to the end zone with Bengals defenders converging on him. But on that last 44th yard Likely needed, the ball came free.
He jumped over a falling defender, but after landing his feet on the ground, the football went bouncing into the end zone for a touchback. It was initially called a touchdown, but the review made things clear; Jordan Battle had hit Likely's hands hard enough to poke the ball free.
An almost touchdown resulted in a fumble for a touchback
CINvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/NdH9shkSY2
— NFL (@NFL) November 28, 2025
Isaiah Likely clearly fumbling the ball before the endzone, and how this will be a touchback for the Bengals at the 20.
Jordan Battle, the key great strip.
🎥 @sluggahjells pic.twitter.com/MZk3vPf0ho
— The Whole Delivery (@TWDTV1) November 28, 2025
Because of the fumble into the end zone, the play resulted in a touchback, and the Bengals took over at their own 20-yard line before taking the lead on another field goal.
For Likely, the play reminded fans of another "almost" highlight he had earlier in his career, a failed toe-tap touchdown reception against the Chiefs.
Isaiah Likely is the king of almost making great plays pic.twitter.com/lSVMwhFkzr
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) November 28, 2025
Fortunately for the tight end, he helped make up for his blunder later in the quarter when Jackson found him for a 30-yard completion.
Isaiah Likely and Lamar Jackson hooked up for a 30-yard gain late in the 2nd Q. Lamar escaped the pocket and found the TE to get the ball across midfield with a chance to re-take the lead.#Ravens #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/EMf9rAmfmy
— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) November 28, 2025