Chiefs arrive in Denver after ice storm delays flight

By ESPN | Created at 2025-01-05 02:49:51 | Updated at 2025-01-06 23:23:54 1 day ago
Truth
  • ESPN News Services

Jan 4, 2025, 07:01 PM ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Chiefs finally arrived in Denver on Saturday night after their plane spent about four hours stranded on the tarmac at Kansas City International Airport amid an ice storm that blanketed the region ahead of an impending blizzard.

The Chiefs, who play the Broncos in their regular-season finale Sunday, tried to move up the flight as the weather, which had been predicted all week, bore down on them. But the plane they were expected to use was delayed in arriving, so the team had to stick with its mid-afternoon departure, and just before it took off, airport officials announced that all flight operations were suspended due to "rapid ice accumulation."

There was a brief break between the line of ice that had glazed Kansas City and the arrival of heavy snow, which was expected to last all of Sunday. That provided enough time to de-ice the plane, clear the runway and get the Chiefs off the ground.

Their chartered jet was the first to depart once airport operations resumed.

The Chiefs (15-1) have clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, rendering their regular-season finale moot for them. But the game has significant meaning for Denver, which could clinch a playoff berth with a win.

Earlier this week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he planned to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes, meaning backup Carson Wentz will get the start. The Chiefs also listed right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) out, while stars such as defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce were expected to get the game off.

The Chiefs will have to wait to find out their playoff opponent. The earliest they would play in the divisional round is Jan. 18.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read Entire Article