Bucs-Chiefs to move to Minneapolis if Ian forces relocation

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs-Chiefs 'Sunday Night Football' game would move to Minneapolis if Hurricane Ian forces relocation

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 9/28/22

The NFL has started to craft their contingency plans for Week 4's "Sunday Night Football" matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, should Hurricane Ian force the contest to be played outside of the Sunshine State. With the Minnesota Vikings vacating their home stadium this week as they prepare to take on the New Orleans Saints in London at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, U.S. Bank Stadium has been selected as the "Plan B" location for the Bucs-Chiefs contest.

According to NFL exec Jeff Miller, there is no change to the #Bucs-#Chiefs game on Sunday as of now. They are discussing all matters with local authorities. Should Hurricane Ian force a change, the game would be played in Minnesota at US Bank Stadium.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2022

NFL's Jeff Miller says there is no change to status of SNF in Tampa. NFL continues to monitor the situation, if venue change is needed, it would be played in Minneapolis on Sunday night.
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) September 28, 2022

On a decision about whether SNF can be played in Tampa, question is not just whether Tampa is hit. It is whether playing the game would sap resources that are needed for disaster relief and recovery. NFL will consult with local officials, the teams and disaster relief agencies.
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) September 28, 2022

It has been reported that the league could wait until as late as Friday to make the final call on game details. With the Miami Dolphins set to take on the Cincinnati Bengals on the road on "Thursday Night Football" in Week 4, Tampa Bay has shifted their midweek practices to the Dolphins' facility ahead of the game against Kansas City.

Both the Buccaneers and Chiefs suffered their first losses of the season in Week 3 on Sunday, so barring a tie, one of the two powerhouses will have a .500 record going into Week 5.

Tampa Bay fell to the Green Bay Packers in controversial fashion, as a late delay of game penalty and ensuing failed two-point conversion hurt head coach Todd Bowles' crew in the 14-12 defeat. Kansas City was upset by the host Indianapolis Colts, 20-17, thanks in large part to a game-winning touchdown pass from Matt Ryan.

More must-reads: