The Cowboys are scheduled to play the Ravens on Sunday at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, and the NFL has said the game will go ahead as planned. The league has been checking the field throughout the month, with NFL Field Director Nick Pappas telling The Dallas Morning News that officials have kept close watch over its condition.
Defensive tackle Kenny Clark said the Cowboys will play regardless of the surface. He experienced traction issues at an international game in São Paulo two years ago, when he was with the Green Bay Packers for a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Clark described that field as soft and challenging, and said Eagles running back Saquon Barkley switched cleats.
Clark used shoes with seven studs for added grip and said he does not know what the Maracanã surface will be like, though the earlier field remains a concern.
The Cowboys are set to inspect the field Saturday for the first time. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team will carry multiple cleat types and let players choose based on their preferences. No additional information about the field was provided.
