The Dallas Cowboys are preparing to travel to Brazil for a Week 3 game against the Baltimore Ravens while questions remain about the condition of the field at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The matchup is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, and will be the first NFL game played in Rio.
The field drew attention after Agustin Rossi, goalkeeper for Flamengo, criticized its condition in comments to a Brazilian sports outlet. Rossi said the penalty areas had numerous uneven spots and expressed hope that the surface would be improved before the NFL game.
The NFL told The Athletic that it has preparations in place for the international matchup. The league said its plan is intended to provide a playing surface that meets its quality standards.
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team's football operations staff had been communicating with league officials about the field. He said the league expected the surface to be ready and that he trusted officials to make the appropriate decision.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the field was a major priority for the team after its game against Washington, although he did not yet have additional information. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who had 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys' 37-20 victory over the Commanders, said he was focused on playing.
