The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys are set to play in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium on Sunday, with concerns about the field’s condition persisting despite NFL assurances of readiness.
NFL confirms field improvements ahead of international game
The NFL stated that the Maracanã Stadium field had undergone significant work, including trimming and the application of fiber using a GrassMaster Stitch Machine. NFL Field Director Nick Pappas confirmed the field had been evaluated by an independent inspector and an NFLPA representative, with Pappas asserting, “Things check out. No need to worry.” A video posted by Pappas at 12:54 a.m. Sunday showed the field in its final state before the game.
Zay Flowers’ status remains uncertain ahead of kickoff
The Ravens are conducting a pregame workout to determine whether wide receiver Zay Flowers can play through a hamstring injury. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the decision would be a “true pre-game call”, though the team did not sound confident Flowers would suit up. Flowers missed Baltimore’s Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints after suffering the injury in Week 1.
Field Condition: Last-Minute Preparations and Ongoing Concerns
The Maracanã Stadium surface has faced criticism ahead of the NFL’s first game in Rio. NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive director J.C. Tretter stated that union experts believed the field needed better traction and stability. The NFLPA issued a statement expressing concern earlier in the week, with players from both teams voicing worries about the surface.
NFL officials reported that workers were still trimming the turf on Saturday, with some using scissors to level high grass. The league applied fiber to the field using the GrassMaster Stitch Machine to enhance stability. Pappas emphasized that the field had been inspected and improved, though the timing of these efforts raised questions about the urgency of the preparations.
Player Availability: Flowers’ Status in Question
Flowers, who led the Ravens in receiving yards last season with 1,211 yards, is a key offensive weapon. He recorded five catches for 150 yards and a touchdown in the team’s Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts before suffering the hamstring injury. The Ravens enter the matchup at 1-1, while the Cowboys also sit at 1-1 after a Week 3 victory over the Washington Commanders.
The Ravens have not ruled out Flowers’ participation, but the uncertainty adds a layer of unpredictability to the game. The team’s decision will hinge on the outcome of the pregame workout, which will assess Flowers’ ability to move effectively on the field.
League Commitment to International Games
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has previously stated the league’s goal of expanding its international footprint, confirming that the league wants multiple teams based outside the U.S. Goodell’s remarks underscore the NFL’s long-term strategy to grow the sport globally, even as logistical challenges like field conditions in international venues persist.
NFL Field Director Pappas noted that international fields often require additional preparation compared to those in the U.S., highlighting the league’s ongoing efforts to adapt to varying conditions. The league’s willingness to play in challenging environments reflects its commitment to international expansion, though it has drawn scrutiny from players and analysts alike.