The Dallas Cowboys are preparing to play the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil while seeking updates on the condition of the field at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The game, scheduled for Sept. 27, will be the first NFL contest played in Rio.
Concerns about the surface followed comments from Agustin Rossi, the goalkeeper for Flamengo Football Club, which regularly uses the stadium. Rossi said the penalty areas had numerous uneven spots and expressed hope that the field would be improved before the NFL game.
The NFL told The Athletic that it has a plan for producing a high-quality playing surface for international games. The league also maintains that the field will be ready for the Cowboys and Ravens. Last year's game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo was cited as an international contest that proceeded without problems.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team's operations staff had discussed the issue and that vice president of football operations Todd Williams and his staff were communicating directly with the league. Schottenheimer said he trusted the league to address the field and said he had no concerns at that point.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he did not yet have additional information but described the field as a top priority after the Cowboys' game against Washington. Dallas entered the international trip with a 1-1 record after defeating the Commanders 37-20. Dak Prescott set a franchise record during the game, while CeeDee Lamb recorded 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
