Lou Anarumo provides surprising reason for Jordan Battle's lack of playing time

Safety Jordan Battle turned in a very promising rookie campaign for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023. He appeared in all 17 games for the team and started in seven, recording 71 total tackles, three quarterback hits and an interception in the process. So heading into his second season in the league, there was an expectation from many fans that Battle would play an increased role in Cincinnati's secondary, even following the free agency additions of veterans Geno Stone and Vonn Bell. However, through the first four games of the season that hasn't been the case at all. Battle has been almost invisible so far this season, and though he's been a contributor on special teams, he has logged just two total defensive snaps. He played in 48 percent of all defensive snaps for the Bengals in 2023, so that's a pretty staggering drop off. Even with Stone and Bell occupying the starting spots, you'd think Battle would still get some on-field opportunity. But he hasn't. Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo explained why