For autopilot engagement the aircraft must be trimmed properly so maybe the autopilot (s) would not be available to the crew.
From the report
(F/D) Autopilot Engagement Criteria
The Boeing 737-8 (MAX) Auto Flight Director System (AFDS) is a dual system consisting of two individual FCC and a single mode control panel.
The autopilot (A/P) functionality is provided by the FCC. The A/P for captain side is controlled by the FCC A and the A/P for first officer side is controlled by the FCC B. Each A/P can be engaged by pushing a separate CMD (command) engage switch. A/P engagement is inhibited unless the following flight crew–controlled conditions are met:
• No force or very low force is being applied to the control wheel
• The STAB TRIM cut out switches is at NORMAL.
• Neither pilot main electric trim switches is activated.
• The Mode Control Panel (MCP) disengage bar is not activated.
Except during approach, only one A/P can be engaged at a given time.
Autopilot Disengagement During single channel operation,
A/P automatically disengages when any of the following crew-controlled conditions occurs:
• Pushing either A/P disengage switch,
• Column or wheel force override,
• Pushing either Takeoff/Go-around (TO/GA) switch: - With flaps not up or, - Glide Slope (G/S) engaged,
• Pushing an illuminated A/P ENGAGE switch,
• Pushing the A/P DISENGAGE bar down,
• Activating either flight crew control main electric trim switch,
• Moving either STAB TRIM cutout switch to CUTOUT.