Vikings plane forced into emergency landing en route to New York game
Mechanical issues prompted an unscheduled return to Minneapolis; a second plane was arranged for Sunday’s matchup with the Giants as JJ McCarthy continues his first full season
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings’ team plane was forced into an unscheduled return to Minneapolis shortly after takeoff Saturday, delaying travel to Newark for Sunday’s matchup with the New York Giants. The flight departed Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport at 1:18 p.m. Central, but air-tracking data showed the aircraft turning back about an hour later and landing back at MSP around 3 p.m., after officials cited mechanical issues.
The Vikings said in a team statement that the aircraft experienced mechanical issues that required a return to the airport, and that the team would board a second plane and depart for Newark later that night. Vikings broadcaster Ben Leber said on Instagram that the plane’s landing gear hatch did not close after takeoff, a detail that has not been independently confirmed by team officials. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers posted on social media that the team is OK but did not provide further information.
By 6 p.m. Central Time, the Vikings were still awaiting the arrival of a replacement aircraft, ESPN reported, before departing on a second flight later in the evening. The team was then expected to fly to Newark, with officials indicating a departure around 7:30 p.m. and a late arrival in New Jersey before the night ended.
Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium against the Giants looms as a notable test for Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy, who is in his first full season with the team after missing his entire rookie year with a knee injury sustained in camp last summer. The Vikings (6-8) are out of playoff contention in a NFC North that remains competitive, while the Giants (2-12) have struggled this season.
The travel disruption comes amid a broader log of travel headaches around the league. Earlier in the week, the Los Angeles Rams were significantly delayed while trying to fly to Seattle for Thursday Night Football against the Seahawks due to an equipment issue, leading to a late departure and a dramatic 38-37 overtime loss. In November, the Philadelphia Eagles were delayed getting to Wisconsin for a Monday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers amid airport disruption linked to a government shutdown. The Vikings’ schedule after Sunday includes a Christmas Day game against the Detroit Lions and a Jan. 4 contest against the Green Bay Packers, both of which will factor into their evaluation of McCarthy’s development as the season concludes.