B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250; Flight Crew Type 8315
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
As we approached [the] runway for departure one aircraft notified Tower that it appeared that our right inboard tire had something stuck to it. Another aircraft said it appeared that the tire had some tread separating from it. We had [another aircraft] assess the tire in the runway run-up area; and they too confirmed what appeared to be some type of tread separation. We arranged one last check with an Airport Operations vehicle and they had the same assessment as the other pilots about our tire. There was no indication of a dragging brake; deflated tire; or other abnormal indication. After consultation with my First Officer; Maintenance; and Operations; it was determined that we would return to [the] gate to have the tire serviced by Maintenance. We made a left turn and soon after we heard a pop; followed by a slight settling of the aircraft to the right. I stopped the aircraft and we notified Ground Control that we most likely blew a tire. Ground Control had [ground personnel] come out to assess that damage and they confirmed that the right main tires were both deflated. We coordinated with Maintenance to have the tires serviced at the present location. Operations initiated a recovery plan and sent buses and air stairs to our aircraft to deplane the passengers and take them to [the] gate were a spare aircraft was positioned to take our passengers to [destination].
B737NG Captain reported being advised of a main landing gear tire issue by ground observers during taxi to the runway.