The NFL is continuing to examine the playing surface at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro before Sunday's Cowboys-Ravens game, which the league has said will go ahead as scheduled. NFL Field Director Nick Pappas told The Dallas Morning News that officials have kept close oversight of field conditions throughout the month.
Cowboys players are scheduled to inspect the surface for the first time Saturday. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team will bring several cleat options and let players choose footwear according to their individual preferences. No additional details about the field were provided.
Defensive tackle Kenny Clark said the Cowboys will play regardless of the surface. He previously faced traction issues on an international field while playing for the Green Bay Packers against the Philadelphia Eagles in São Paulo two years ago. Clark described that field as soft and difficult to manage.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley changed cleats during the game, while Clark used footwear with seven studs to improve traction. Clark said he does not know what the Maracanã surface will be like but called the earlier field a concern.
