The NFL said it has preparations underway to provide a high-quality field for the Dallas Cowboys’ international game at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sept. 27. Dallas will play the Baltimore Ravens there in the first NFL game held at the stadium.
Field conditions drew attention after Agustin Rossi, Flamengo Football Club’s goalkeeper, said the penalty areas contained many uneven spots and hoped improvements would be made before the game. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said the club’s football operations staff has been in contact with the league.
He said league officials expected the surface to satisfy the required standard and that he had no concern about the game taking place.
Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner and general manager, said Sunday evening that he was continuing to seek updated information and identified the field as a top priority following Dallas’ 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders. The win moved the Cowboys to 1-1.
Receiver CeeDee Lamb had 153 yards and two touchdowns in that game and responded to a question about the field by saying, “Let’s play.” A prior international matchup in São Paulo between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers was completed without reported problems.
