The Cowboys are preparing for Sunday's game against the Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro while the NFL continues monitoring the playing surface. The league has said the game will proceed as scheduled.
Defensive tackle Kenny Clark said the team will play regardless of the field's condition. Clark has prior experience with an international field that caused traction problems, having played in São Paulo two years ago for the Green Bay Packers against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Clark recalled that the São Paulo surface was soft and difficult to handle. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley changed cleats during that game, while Clark used footwear with seven studs to improve traction. Clark said he is unsure what the Maracanã field will look like but identified the previous surface as a concern.
The NFL has been examining the Rio field throughout the month, according to NFL Field Director Nick Pappas, who told The Dallas Morning News that league officials have maintained close oversight of conditions there.
The Cowboys are scheduled to see the surface for the first time Saturday. Coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team will bring several cleat choices, while allowing players to select footwear based on their individual preferences. Further details about the field's condition were not provided.
