The Cowboys are preparing for Sunday's game against the Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro as the NFL continues checking the condition of the field. The league has indicated that the matchup will proceed as scheduled.
Dallas defensive tackle Kenny Clark said the team will be ready to play regardless of the surface. "Regardless, we're going out there to play a game on Sunday," Clark said. "I'm ready to play."
Clark has experience with an international field that raised similar concerns. He played for the Green Bay Packers in São Paulo two years ago when the surface was criticized after a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Saquon Barkley changed cleats during that contest to improve his traction, while Clark used footwear with seven studs.
Clark described that field as soft and recalled that traction had been an issue. He said he is interested in seeing how the Rio de Janeiro surface looks when the Cowboys arrive.
NFL Field Director Nick Pappas told The Dallas Morning News that league personnel have visited the Maracanã field throughout the month and have been closely observing its condition. The Cowboys are expected to see the surface for the first time Saturday.
