Why was the Bears-Vikings game postponed? Chicago fans cause game to be stopped after chain gang member gets injured

Sunday’s Bears-Vikings game took a little longer than usual to complete, in part due to a medical emergency involving a chain gang member.

NFC North rivals needed overtime in Chicago, and the Bears attempted to force extra time by mounting an 11-point comeback in the fourth quarter. But Minnesota couldn’t deny the win, stopping rookie QB Caleb Williams in overtime and kicking a field goal for the 30-27 victory.

But before the Vikings could secure the win, there was a delay on the field due to a medical emergency. One of the group’s gang members collapsed on the sidelines, requiring attention from medical personnel at the stadium.

The Vikings’ win keeps them just behind the Lions in first place in the league. Minnesota improved to 9-2 with the win, while Detroit maintained its two-game lead with a dominant win over Indianapolis.

Here’s more information about the delay in Chicago.

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Why was the Bears-Vikings game postponed?

The matchup between the Bears and Vikings was postponed in overtime due to a medical emergency at the Minnesota field.

With 5:53 left in overtime, the game was stopped because a member of the team gang was tending to it on the sidelines. Staff had to enter the medical tent to intervene.

While the concerns of those on the field were temporarily focused on the chain gang members, those in the stands were also impatient to see the end of the conflict. Soldier Field attendees began jeering toward injured worker

“We took a timeout on the field because one of the referee team was injured, one moment please.”

Bears fans: BOOOOOOO

pic.twitter.com/8Al9kNQNwD

— (@fsh733) 24 November 2024

What is a chain gang in the NFL?

A chain gang in the NFL is exactly what it sounds like: a gang responsible for operating chains.

The group is seen on the sidelines at NFL games; The scrimmage line bears markings for the score and the line to be won or where the team must go down first. Players, coaches and officials use this group to accurately find where the downs are and how many more are left.

Currently the chain gang uses physical chains. Sometimes action is called when a game is approaching its first defeat. The group runs onto the field and one person holds the marker to win the line. The referee will measure the position of the ball relative to where the chain indicates the winning line and determine whether a first down has been earned.