The Minnesota Vikings will be behind schedule on the road against the New York Giants. But it sounds like things could get worse.
A charter flight from Minnesota to New York encountered a mechanical issue in mid-air shortly after taking off from the Twin Cities on Saturday afternoon. The plane turned around and headed back to Minnesota, where the Vikings planned to board another plane bound for New Jersey.
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The Vikings announced the news Saturday in a team statement:
“Shortly after departure, the team’s plane experienced a mechanical issue and needed to return to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. The team will immediately board a second plane and is expected to arrive at Newark International Airport later tonight.”
The Vikings already had a busy schedule, so the schedule changed. The Vikings announced a change of plans shortly before 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, less than 24 hours before Sunday’s 1 pm kickoff.
The Vikings did not announce the nature of the mechanical problem. But the experience certainly left the Vikings unnerved as they prepared for a road game. Whenever they settle in New Jersey before Sunday’s game, they’ll fall behind an already tight schedule.
Whatever happens in Sunday’s game, it won’t affect the playoffs. The Vikings and Giants were both eliminated from the playoffs.