Plane carrying Panthers players, coaches and staff gets stuck in the mud after landing in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers players, coaches and staff members were unharmed after their Delta Airlines flight veered off the taxiway and got stuck in the mud while making its way to the gate at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Friday morning.

The team was returning from a 17-3 preseason loss at New England on Thursday night and arrived safely around 2:35 a.m. on the runway.

But as the plane was making its way to the terminal it veered off the taxiway and got stuck and was unable to move, forcing passengers to have to deplane via stairs and be transported to the terminal.

Charlotte Douglas Airport said airfield lighting and the taxiway was fully operational and the plane was later towed.

According to Delta, “the right main gear of Delta 8860 exited the taxiway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport following a normal arrival.” No injuries were reported.

Panthers officials did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.

It’s unclear if wet weather stemming from Tropical Storm Debby, which rolled through the area earlier in the day dumping several inches of rain and causing some power outages, might have played a factor.

Panthers coaches and players have an off day Friday following the game, but are expected to resume practice Saturday.

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