The Packers receiver loses an improbable fumble down the sideline while going for a first down

Green Bay Packers receiver Dontayvion Wicks probably felt like the football gods had it in for him in Week 9. Wicks found himself on the wrong end of an unlikely fumble situation after scoring a first down in a close game against the Los Angeles Rams.

The game happened just after halftime. On the first play of the third quarter, Packers quarterback Jordan Love hit Wicks with a pass near the sideline. Wicks fell to the ground during the play and reached for the first-down marker. Wicks made it over the line, but the ball hit the ground and bounced out of his hand right next to the sideline. The ball landed right in the arms of Rams defender Ahkello Witherspoon, who made sure both feet were in the field as he secured the ball. Since Wicks was never touched, the play was ruled a fumble.

So much had to go wrong for Wicks to lose that fumble. He had to catch the ball close enough to the first down marker that he felt like he could reach out and get the first down. He had to remain untouched as he crossed the line, and the ball had to bounce off him the perfect way to the sideline, and Witherspoon had to stand in the perfect spot – with both feet clearly in the field – for Wicks to lose possession.

Luckily for Wicks, the Rams were unable to take advantage of the turnover. Their drive after the fumble lasted six plays and ended with a punt.