Pittsburgh Steelers

Bills game delayed by massive piles of rubber turf pellets

Published Dec. 14, 2016 8:38 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The snow was coming down Sunday in Buffalo, making for difficult playing conditions for both the Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Receivers were having a hard time keeping their footing, backs couldn't cut as effectively and gripping the ball obviously was challenging.

To alleviate the problem and attempt to improve the field of play, the grounds crew tried to clear snow off the field using plows and machinery at halftime. It worked as snow was removed from the playing surface, but there was a huge mess on the sideline as a result.

It turns out the plows were pulling up turf pellets and depositing them along the boundaries.

The game was delayed as players and coaches were directed back to their sidelines.

These tractors should probably never be used again.

Current situation #Bills #Steelers @WKBW pic.twitter.com/E3uRPyMCMK
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) December 11, 2016

Plows are just spraying pellets here at New Era Field. pic.twitter.com/GXXKtD9e6J
— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) December 11, 2016

Both teams have been directed back to sideline as officials oversee groundskeepers... https://t.co/0nPvO6nu8f pic.twitter.com/Syeq9CikZd
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) December 11, 2016

Black pellets everywhere in Buffalo. Delayed the #Steelers #Bills second half. Back underway. pic.twitter.com/T1PL14NQlK
— Raul Martinez (@RaulSports) December 11, 2016