The Minnesota Vikings’ team plane was forced to make an emergency landing Saturday afternoon, shortly after taking off for New Jersey ahead of their matchup against the New York Giants, the NFL team announced.
The Newark-bound aircraft ran into mechanical problems about an hour after departing Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport.
It turned around over Wisconsin around 2:05 p.m. and landed safely back in Minneapolis just after 3 p.m., FlightAware data shows.
“We’re ok,” Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers posted on a fan-run Instagram account, along with some handclap emojis.
The football team later boarded a second plane that is expected to land in the Garden State Saturday night – with enough time to make it to their Week 16 clash at MetLife Stadium Sunday afternoon.
Vikings officials confrimed the team was fine.
“Shortly after departing, the team plane experienced mechanical issues that required a return to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport,” the Vikings’ said in a statement that was shared on X by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“The team will board a second plane momentarily and is now expected to arrive at Newark International Airport later tonight.”
The Vikings, already eliminated from playoff contention with a 6-8 record, are coming off back-to-back wins over the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys.
Their game against the Giants is scheduled to kick off Sunday at 1 p.m.
