The Dallas Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium on Sept. 27, their first game there after beating the Washington Commanders 37-20 to reach 1-1. The NFL said it has preparations in place for the international matchup and a plan intended to ensure a high-quality playing surface.
Field conditions drew attention after Agustin Rossi, Flamengo Football Club's goalkeeper, said the penalty areas contained numerous uneven spots. He said he hoped the surface would be improved before the NFL game. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team's football operations staff has been in contact with the league, whose officials expected the field to meet the necessary standard.
Schottenheimer said he had no concerns about the game proceeding.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' owner and general manager, said Sunday evening that he was seeking updated information and identified the field as a leading priority after the Washington game. Receiver CeeDee Lamb, who had 153 yards and two touchdowns against Washington, responded to a question about the field by saying, “Let's play.” The Rio game will be the first NFL contest at the stadium.
A previous international game in São Paulo between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers was completed without reported problems.
