Part of the preflight is done before engines are started. Another prior to taking the active runway, and the final is done as the plane accelerates down the runway.
Surprised they found an issue with the pitot tube before the takeoff roll.
I specifically remember that they said they detected the problem when they were on the runway.
However - and that is a big remember - do journalists know the difference between a runway, the tarmac and the taxiway? I doubt it.
These are the same ill-informed people who said things such as Bullets are flying off the shelves!!