Why was the Packers’ flight to Arizona delayed for over five hours before their crucial Cardinals matchup?

The Green Bay Packers’ hopes of keeping their NFC North lead have hit an unexpected snag before even taking the field. The team’s flight to Arizona was delayed for more than five hours on Saturday due to a mechanical issue, leaving players and staff stranded on the tarmac and raising questions about how this might affect their performance against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Packers face major travel hiccup before key NFC North clash against Cardinals

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, “The Packers have yet to depart for Arizona because of mechanical issues with the team plane. The delay is now approaching five hours, and they’re still on the tarmac.” With kickoff set for 1:25 p.m. Mountain Time, the extended delay has disrupted the team’s travel schedule and possibly their routine preparation before a pivotal Week 7 matchup.

The Packers enter the game with a 3-1-1 record, holding a narrow edge over the Detroit Lions in the NFC North race.

They’re coming off a strong 27–18 win against the Cincinnati Bengals following a bye week. But this travel disruption is an unwelcome twist for a team that thrives on rhythm and preparation.For comparison, such delays aren’t unprecedented in the NFL. Earlier this year, the Jacksonville Jaguars endured a lengthy postgame storm delay after facing the Colts. Still, being grounded for hours just before a key road game can throw off focus and recovery schedules — especially when the flight from Green Bay to Phoenix takes roughly three and a half hours.

Cardinals eye rebound as Packers try to stay composed

While Green Bay wrestles with travel issues, the Arizona Cardinals are desperate for a turnaround. After a 2–0 start, they’ve dropped four straight and sit at the bottom of the NFC West. Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start again, with Kyler Murray sidelined by a foot injury.Despite the chaos, oddsmakers still favor Green Bay by 6.5 points, given their stronger record and overall form. However, fatigue from the delayed flight could become a silent factor once they hit the field.For now, the Packers’ first challenge this weekend isn’t on the gridiron — it’s getting to Arizona in time to play.Also Read: Brittany Mahomes teases Patrick Mahomes with hilarious challenge ahead of Chiefs vs. Raiders showdown