Some of the Chiefs’ equipment went missing, but it got to Gillette in time for Sunday’s game

Some of the Chiefs’ equipment sat on the sidelines prior to Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium. A equipment container holding some of the Chiefs’ gear was accidentally sent to Newark and did not arrive at the stadium until around 3 p.m.Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

A container holding some of the Chiefs’ equipment for Sunday’s game was accidentally sent to Newark, N.J., according to an ESPN report, and arrived in Foxborough just under two hours before kickoff.

The container, which held shoulder pads, helmets, footballs, and approximately 35 players’ bags, was never taken off the team’s plane when it arrived in Massachusetts, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Around 2:45 p.m., the equipment was finally spotted at Gillette Stadium. Had it not arrived in time for the 4:25 p.m. kickoff, Kansas City would have had to forfeit, according to ESPN.

Chiefs equipment arrives ... pic.twitter.com/ytulhkvN0J

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 8, 2019

How did it cut through the traffic to get to Gillette Stadium on time? The equipment received special treatment -- an escort courtesy of the Massachusetts State Police.

As much as we wouldn’t mind a forfeit for #PatsNation 🏈, but we did escort the delayed @Chiefs equipment from Logan to Foxboro. Game time can go as scheduled. #GoPats @Patriots @GilletteStadium @MikeReiss

— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) December 8, 2019

According to ESPN, it was the responsibility of the Chiefs -- not the Patriots or the NFL -- to get the equipment to its destination on time.