Players for the Washington Commanders and New York Giants were forced off the field at MetLife Stadium due to severe weather as fans in the lower bowl of the stadium were also asked to exit just over an hour before kickoff of Thursday night’s NFC East showdown.
“There is a shelter in place here at the stadium thanks to severe weather in the area,” ESPN’s John Keim wrote on X.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m ET on Prime Video.
“Clearing the field at Giants Stadium for bad weather,” NBC Sports’ JP Finlay wrote on his official X account on Thursday night.
“EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Everybody take cover,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo wrote on X.
“Players are being instructed to vacate the field during early warmups due to severe weather in the area,” The Athletic’s Dan Duggan wrote on X. “Going to be interesting if the kickoff actually gets pushed back. Players have to get mandatory warmup time. Hearing the field will be cleared at least 30 mins but also seems like things are quite fluid.”
Constant, Heavy Rain Headed Before Kickoff
Constant, heavy rain hit MetLife Stadium before kickoff.
“Might be a big run night for TNF with rain in the forecast at MetLife Stadium,” Pro Football Talk’s Chris Simms wrote on his official X account on Thursday.
“There’s a 68% chance of rain, so wet conditions might play a role in tonight’s game,” Sports Handicapper Bob Balfe wrote on X. “Keep an eye on ball security, receiver footing, and how quarterbacks handle the ball. Wind: Steady winds around 9 MPH shouldn’t cause big issues, but gusts up to 20 MPH could sometimes impact long passes and the kicking game. Game Impact: If it rains during the game, the field could get slippery, so holding onto the football will be even more important.”
“Some fun facts: The Commanders are winless on the road this season,” Giants on SI’s Patricia Traina wrote on X. “The Giants are 3-0 in home games played in the rain.”
Commanders Could Be Dangerous Running Ball
The Commanders don’t have their leading rusher from last season, 2nd-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, after he landed on injured reserve with a groin injury on October 19.
They still have weapons when it comes to running the ball — quarterback Jayden Daniels leads the Commanders with 252 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns and averages an incredible 8.1 yards per carry.
That, along with veteran running backs Rachaad White and Austin Ekeler in big doses, could keep the Giants’ defense off balance in the rain.
Commanders-Giants Severe Weather Update: Players, Fans Given Shelter in Place Order