The Dallas Cowboys are consulting with the NFL about the playing surface at Maracanã Stadium before facing the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro on Sept. 27. The game will be the first NFL contest held at the stadium.
Concern about the field followed comments from Agustin Rossi, Flamengo Football Club’s goalkeeper. Rossi said the penalty areas contained numerous uneven spots and said he hoped the surface would be improved before the game. The NFL told The Athletic that it has a plan for a high-quality surface, as it does for all international games.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the Cowboys’ football operations staff has been communicating with the league. He said league officials expected the field to meet the necessary standard and that he had no concerns about the game proceeding.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Sunday evening that he was seeking updated information and that the field was a leading priority after the Cowboys’ 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders, which moved the team to 1-1.
Receiver CeeDee Lamb, who had 153 yards and two touchdowns, said, “Let's play.” A previous international game in São Paulo involving the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers was completed without reported problems.
