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Panthers Plane Runs Off Charlotte Airport Taxiway After Preseason Game

After dropping their preseason-opening matchup, the Carolina Panthers' plane slid off the taxiway upon arriving in Charlotte Friday morning.

After their offense was grounded during Thursday night’s 17-3 preseason-opening loss at the New England Patriots, the end of the Carolina Panthers’ return trip turned a bit bumpy. 

Panthers Plane Runs Off Charlotte Airport Taxiway After Preseason Game

After days of rain in the region, the Delta Air Lines plane carrying the Panthers’ players, coaches, and staff slid off a taxiway at Charlotte (N.C.) Douglas International Airport early Friday morning. No one suffered any injuries as a result of the incident. After eventually departing the plane, all 188 passengers were transported to Wilson Air Center, WCNC Charlotte reported. 

The Panthers departed Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport at 12:45 a.m. ET, an hour later than scheduled. Flight No. DL8860 arrived in Charlotte at 2:41 a.m. ET., according to FlightAware.com. 

Delta released a statement:  

“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 were deplaning and being bused to the terminal. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience.” 

Panthers’ Backups Come Up Short 

With 33 projected starters/regulars sitting out Thursday, few of the Panthers’ backups fighting for a spot at the end of the 53-man roster made much of a case in rainy conditions, including undrafted rookie quarterback Jack Plummer. 

Taking snaps into the fourth quarter, Plummer guided the offense to just 70 yards of total offense. Earning a 62.8 QB rating, Plummer finished 11 of 21 for 86 yards.  

The Panthers, who were shut out in their final two regular-season games in 2023, failed to generate any points until Jake Luton led the offense to a field goal on their last possession of the game. Signed Monday after backup Andy Dalton suffered a quad injury, Luton directed a 13-play, 43-yard drive, capped by undrafted rookie kicker Mevis’ 41-yard field goal. 

Four of the Panthers’ first five offensive series ended with three-and-outs. Their fourth possession ended after four plays. Plummer’s longest first-half drive lasted six second-quarter plays and 18 yards. 

Plummer’s pals did not help much. Wide receivers Jonathan Mingo, a training camp standout, and Terrace Marshall Jr. dropped well-placed passes. 

Running back Mike Boone played most of the first half and generated 34 yards on eight carries. His 11-yard run was one of only three plays that gained at least 10 yards. 

The Panthers committed nine penalties for 61 yards.

Panthers’ Field Short-Handed OL  

The Panthers operated with only seven offensive linemen, one fewer than they generally dress on game days. 

Second-year undrafted free agent Ricky Lee started and played all 54 snaps, along with left guard Brady Christensen and right guard Chandler Zavala. Starter Badara Traore (25 snaps) and Jeremiah Crawford (26) split time at right tackle, while Cade Mays (28) alternated with Andrew Raym (29) at center. 

The unit yielded five sacks.

Main Photo: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Hawkins

Jeff Hawkins

Jeff Hawkins is a two-time APSE award-winning sports writer with four decades of print and digital media experience. A freelancer since 2006, Hawkins spent his early career as a reporter/editor for various newspapers in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois.

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