The pilots flying the Minnesota Vikings‘ team plane returned to the airport after experiencing mechanical issues.
The Vikings (6-8) face the New York Giants (2-12) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
According to Alec Lewis with The Athletic, the Vikings took off from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport early Saturday afternoon when mechanical issues were discovered above Wisconsin.
A flight map shared on Instagram by team broadcaster Ben Leber shows the plane altered course just south of Madison, Wisconsin. Leber noted that the landing gear hatch failed to close after takeoff.
The plane was turned back to MSP and has landed safety. Lewis reported at 8:22 p.m. ET that the Vikings have departed MSP and are headed to Newark, New Jersey. There will be a late arrival on Saturday night ahead of the 1 p.m. ET start on Sunday.
Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers took to social media to post, “We’re ok 👏 👏”
The Giants game marks the Vikings’ final road matchup of the season. Although they’ve won two straight games, they were eliminated from playoff contention last week. Minnesota will close out the season with home games against the Detroit Lions (8-6) on Christmas Day and the Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) in Week 18.
Justin Jefferson Looks to Finish Season Strong
The Vikings are aiming to finish the season strong, according to star receiver Justin Jefferson, who has seen a dip in production this year. Through 14 games of the 2025 NFL season, Jefferson has recorded 66 receptions for 832 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 12.6 yards per catch. Jefferson has had multiple quarterbacks starting under center.
“Just to continue to win,” Jefferson said Thursday, according to Vikings.com. “We have three more opportunities to go out and show the world that we’re not that team that y’all [watched] weeks ago. It’s just all about getting better and understanding that we need to finish this season. And just like I said, we have the last three weeks of having guys, these guys on this team, so just being able to bond with them, being able to share the same field with them — three more opportunities. I mean, why not go out there and make the most of it?”
Jefferson added, “The effort, the chemistry that we share, that’s the motivation that we have behind it.”
Vikings Defense Playing at a High Level
The Vikings’ defense has surged in recent weeks, rising to the top 10 of the league in yards allowed per game.
Giants rookie Jaxson Dart will face a daunting test against defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive unit, which has limited the past five opposing quarterbacks to 800 total passing yards (160 per game), zero touchdowns, and two interceptions, while holding them to a 55.6% completion rate and a combined 68.1 passer rating.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Minnesota’s 2025 defense has thrived behind a blitz-heavy scheme that consistently delivers in critical moments. Opponents are converting just 35.8% of third downs, the sixth-lowest rate in the NFL, and have struggled mightily in the red zone, where the Vikings have allowed touchdowns on only 45.5% of trips inside the 20, tied for second-best in the league.
However, reports surfaced Saturday suggesting Flores could be on the move as a candidate for a head coaching position.
Vikings’ Team Plane Has Scary Mechanical Issue Mid-Flight to New Jersey: ‘We’re OK’