The Vikings’ trip to New Jersey hit some unexpected turbulence-literally.
Minnesota’s team flight to face the Giants on Sunday was forced to turn around shortly after takeoff due to mechanical issues. According to a team spokesperson, the plane returned safely to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and the plan was for the team to board a second aircraft and resume travel to Newark later Saturday evening.
But “momentarily” turned into a bit of a waiting game.
The original flight turned around at 3:05 p.m. ET and landed back in Minneapolis at 4:04 p.m.
ET. By 8:00 p.m.
ET, the second plane still hadn’t taken off, leaving the Vikings grounded far longer than expected. That’s a significant disruption to the typical Saturday night routine-a time usually reserved for final meetings, walkthroughs, and rest before game day.
It’s not the kind of travel hiccup any team wants, especially heading into a road game. Even though the Vikings have already been eliminated from playoff contention, they’ve won two straight and are clearly still playing with purpose. This group isn’t mailing in the final stretch of the season-they’re trying to finish strong, and that mindset can matter in a locker room, even when the postseason is off the table.
Now, they’ll have to shake off the travel delay and refocus quickly. The Giants await in New Jersey, and while the stakes may not be high in the standings, both teams are still fighting for something-momentum, pride, and a chance to set the tone heading into the offseason.
For the Vikings, the game plan now includes a little more improvisation. First step: get to the game.