“Nothing to worry about”: The NFL's field director gives the Maracana turf the green light for the Ravens-Cowboys game following the NFLPA's concerns

The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys have been cleared to play their historic Week 3 meeting at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium, despite recent concerns over the condition of the playing surface.

NFL field director Nick Pappas said the field successfully completed the league's mandatory testing on Friday. The assessment was carried out alongside the NFL Players Association and an independent specialist, with the NFL subsequently determining that the surface met the necessary requirements ahead of Sunday's game.

Pappas acknowledged that the field had required attention but said additional improvements had been made after concerns emerged.

He also explained that some of the complaints associated with soccer, particularly those involving the bumpiness of the pitch, aren't necessarily as problematic for an NFL game.

“Things check out,” Pappas said. “No need to worry.”

The NFL's reassurance comes after the NFLPA raised concerns about traction and stability. The union's experts had been monitoring the surface and were reportedly worried that loose sections of turf could increase the likelihood of players slipping during the game.

Maracana’s natural-grass field has been under particular scrutiny because of its demanding soccer schedule. Local clubs Flamengo and Fluminense regularly use the famous stadium, meaning the playing surface has already endured significant use during Brazil's soccer season.

Workers were still preparing the field on Saturday, with crews using mowing equipment and scissors to trim the grass and make final adjustments. The NFL has also made a tarp available in case rain threatens the surface before kickoff.

Ravens and Cowboys turn their attention to football

With the field clearing its required inspections, attention can now shift toward the matchup itself. Baltimore and Dallas both enter the international contest at 1-1, making Sunday's game an opportunity for either team to move above .500 after three weeks.

The Ravens opened the season with a victory over the Indianapolis Colts before suffering a disappointing 24-17 defeat against the New Orleans Saints. Baltimore held a lead entering the fourth quarter but surrendered 15 unanswered points during the final period.

Dallas, meanwhile, enters Brazil with momentum after responding to its opening-week setback against the New York Giants with a convincing 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders.

The game will mark the NFL's first regular-season contest at the iconic Maracana. Brazil has previously hosted two NFL games, both at São Paulo's Neo Química Arena, where field conditions also attracted attention during the league's first visit in 2024.

This time, the Cowboys and Ravens will play on a surface made entirely of natural grass, adding another unusual element to an already distinctive international matchup. Both teams have also had to adjust to the long journey and unfamiliar surroundings after arriving in Rio following flights of roughly 10 hours.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, with CBS broadcasting the game in the United States.