The Cowboys will not see the Maracanã Stadium playing surface until Saturday, before Sunday's game against the Ravens in Rio de Janeiro. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said Dallas plans to bring several types of cleats, with players choosing footwear according to their individual preferences. The NFL has said the game will be played as scheduled.
Defensive tackle Kenny Clark said he does not know what the Rio field will be like but remains concerned because of his experience in São Paulo two years ago, when he played for the Green Bay Packers against the Philadelphia Eagles. He described that surface as soft and hard to manage.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley switched cleats during the game, while Clark wore shoes with seven studs to gain traction. Clark said the Cowboys will play regardless of the field's condition.
NFL Field Director Nick Pappas told The Dallas Morning News that league officials have kept close watch on the Rio field. The NFL has evaluated the surface throughout the month. No additional information about its condition was provided.
