Panthers forced to deal with major scare as Delta flight carrying players runs off taxiway
The Carolina Panthers had little joy in their preseason opener against the New England Patriots at the Gilette Stadium on August 8. The Panthers fell to a 17-3 loss in preseason.
However, things went from bad to worse when the Panthers were flying back home after the game. A Delta flight carrying Panthers players ran off the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport at 2:35 a.m. local time. The plan eventually ran into the mud as it was making its way to a gate.
The Panthers released a statement in the aftermath, saying:
“The team can confirm that their chartered team plane, after landing safely, did run off the taxiway and into mud. The team can also confirm that no injuries were reported and no one was hurt.”
According to ESPN, emergency crews swiftly arrived at the scene after the chartered flight skid into the mud. The taxiway reopened at 6:30 a.m. Panthers players and personnel were later taken back to the air center.
Delta also issued a statement on the incident, saying:
"The right main gear of Delta 8860 exited the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport following a normal arrival. No injuries were reported by the 188 customers who are deplaning and being bused to the terminal. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience."
Panthers' preseason opener a cause for concern
It's a new era for the Panthers in Dave Canales' first season as head coach. And while the Panthers fell to the Patriots 17-3 in the preseason game at Gillette Stadium, Canales appeared to take a careful approach with his players. Nearly 30 first-teamers did not suit up against the Patriots, which explains the scoreline.
Canales' cautious approach was in full view but backup center Cade Mays did suffer a shoulder injury against the Patriots. There's been no word on the severity of Mays' injury so far. Backup right tackle Badara Traore also appeared to suffer a knee injury during the game.
In any case, we did get to see some action on the gridiron. Patriots rookie Drake Maye made his debut, going 2-of-3 through the air for 19 yards to running backs. Joe Milton seemed to steal the show late in the game, finishing 4-of-6 passing for 54 yards.