The Cowboys will face the Ravens on Sunday at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, and the NFL has said the game remains scheduled. The league has been reviewing the playing surface throughout the month, with NFL Field Director Nick Pappas telling The Dallas Morning News that officials have kept close watch on its condition.
Kenny Clark, a Cowboys defensive tackle, said Dallas plans to play no matter how the field looks. He experienced traction issues at an international game in São Paulo two years ago, when he was with the Green Bay Packers against the Philadelphia Eagles. Clark described that surface as soft and hard to manage.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley switched cleats, while Clark wore a seven-stud pair to gain traction. Clark said he does not know what to expect in Rio but considers the earlier field a concern.
Dallas is set to inspect the Maracanã surface Saturday. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team will carry several cleat types, with players choosing footwear according to their own preferences. No additional details about the field were provided.
