Ravens-Cowboys remains scheduled for Sunday at Rio’s Maracanã after NFLPA experts said the field needed better traction and stability amid concerns about excessive slipping. The union recommended reinforced stitching; the NFL says the surface will be ready.
NFLPA executive director JC Tretter said the surface could be “loose, patchy,” creating excessive slipping; he characterized the concern as one of playability and performance, not a major injury threat. The NFL says its crew is working with union experts, while NFLPA representatives will keep assessing the field through kickoff.
Flamengo players who use Maracanã had complained about bumps and poor surface conditions, and heavy rain added to concerns. Players slipped throughout the NFL’s 2024 São Paulo game. Fans responding to the latest field concerns called for international games to stop or said this matchup should be played in the U.S.
