TIME UPDATE: NFL Reschedules Packers–Cardinals Game After Six-Hour Flight Delay Due to Mechanical Issue

The NFL has officially adjusted the kickoff time for Sunday’s matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals after a mechanical issue caused a six-hour delay to the Packers’ team flight. The problem, discovered on the plane in Wisconsin late Saturday afternoon, left the team stranded on the tarmac while a replacement aircraft was arranged. League officials cited “player rest and safety concerns” as the reason for moving kickoff to 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. CT / 1:30 p.m. PT), ensuring Green Bay would have adequate time to recover.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Packers’ original flight was scheduled to depart Green Bay around 1:30 p.m. CT. Mechanical problems, however, grounded the plane for hours, forcing players and coaches to wait while a backup aircraft was brought from Detroit. Even after boarding the replacement plane, additional inspections caused further delays. The team finally departed around 7:05 p.m. ET and arrived in Phoenix shortly before 10 p.m., leaving minimal rest before the originally planned game.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the decision to adjust the game time followed late-night discussions between league officials, both teams, and the NFL Players Association. “It’s an unusual situation,” a league spokesperson said. “But player safety and preparation time come first. After reviewing travel timelines, the league determined it would be unfair to have Green Bay play less than 18 hours after landing.” This marks a rare instance of travel disruptions leading to a game-time adjustment in recent NFL seasons.

TIME UPDATE: NFL Reschedules Packers–Cardinals Game After Six-Hour Flight Delay Due to Mechanical Issue pic.twitter.com/qPvW0CiS7W

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For the Packers, the six-hour delay disrupted more than logistics — it affected their weekly preparation routine. Head coach Matt LaFleur described the incident as “a test of focus and adaptability.” He added, “We’ve dealt with weather delays, injuries, and other obstacles, but sitting on a runway for half a day was new. We’ll adjust and be ready to compete when the whistle blows.” His measured response reflected a team committed to minimizing distractions.

Quarterback Jordan Love acknowledged the fatigue from the long delay but emphasized the team’s determination. “It’s not ideal, but it doesn’t change who we are,” Love said. “We’ve been through tough situations before. This mechanical delay won’t stop us from playing our brand of football.” The Packers, holding a slim lead over the Detroit Lions in the NFC North, face a critical matchup that could influence their divisional standing.

Arizona has approached the adjustment pragmatically. Interim head coach Drew Petzing said his team would use the extra day to fine-tune their strategy and rest players. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is expected to start again while Kyler Murray recovers from a foot injury. “Schedules change, but our focus remains the same,” Petzing said. “We control what we can control and will take advantage of the added preparation time.”

The mechanical delay highlights the complex logistics of transporting NFL teams weekly. While weather disruptions are common, lengthy aircraft issues are rare. Sources close to the Packers noted that minor problems with the replacement plane were detected after players had already boarded, prolonging the ordeal. “Frustrating, but safety comes first,” one team staffer commented.

With kickoff now adjusted to 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. CT / 1:30 p.m. PT), fans will witness an unexpected primetime showdown in Arizona. The change has affected television and ticketing arrangements, but excitement remains high. Both teams enter the matchup with clear objectives — Green Bay aiming to maintain its division lead, and Arizona looking to snap a four-game losing streak. What started as a travel nightmare may turn into one of the season’s most unpredictable and dramatic contests.