The NFLPA says Maracanã’s field needs better traction and stability before Sunday’s Cowboys-Ravens game. League and NFLPA experts found the field unsuitable and recommended reinforced stitching; equipment is on site, with checks continuing through kickoff.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday on CBS. NFLPA executive director JC Tretter said field standards must cover player safety and performance, and argued the NFL should slow international expansion if suitable conditions cannot be achieved. He said two of the three Brazil games have had field-related issues and that this time of year is especially challenging for maintaining NFL-level grass.
The NFLPA also pointed to heat on artificial turf at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium in Week 2: Fox’s broadcast reported a surface temperature of 157 degrees. Eagles lineman Cam Jurgens told reporters he had to replace multiple pairs of cleats, and Fox footage showed Titans players’ cleats being watered down.
