The NFL is continuing to assess the playing surface at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro before Sunday's Cowboys-Ravens game, but the league has said the matchup will go ahead as planned. NFL Field Director Nick Pappas told The Dallas Morning News that officials have closely watched the field's condition during the month.
Cowboys players are scheduled to inspect the surface Saturday. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team will have multiple cleat styles available, with players choosing footwear according to their own preferences. The team did not provide additional details about the field.
Kenny Clark, a Cowboys defensive tackle, said the game will be played no matter the surface conditions. He experienced traction issues in São Paulo two years ago while playing for the Green Bay Packers against the Philadelphia Eagles. Clark described that field as soft and hard to manage.
Saquon Barkley switched cleats during the game, and Clark wore a seven-stud version to gain more traction. Clark said he does not know what the Maracana surface will be like, while pointing to the earlier field as a concern.
