Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has dismissed concerns about the playing surface ahead of Sunday’s NFL matchup in Brazil.
The Cowboys will face the Baltimore Ravens at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sept. 27. Questions emerged after local soccer players criticized the condition of the natural grass.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Jones said Dallas trusts the NFL’s preparations. “I don’t have concerns only because the league has said full speed ahead,” Jones said.
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He added that the absence of contingency planning influenced his view. “If there was a real concern, there would have already been contingent plans being made,” Jones said.
“I know how the league works, about where we play the game if it weren’t there, and there’s none of that. So, I think we’re full speed ahead.”
The NFL has acknowledged the concerns and plans to work on the field before Sunday’s game. The league has said it has a plan to provide a high-quality playing surface.
The timing creates a tight window because Maracanã continues to host soccer events. Recent players from Flamengo criticized the grass, with goalkeeper Agustín Rossi calling attention to bumps across the surface.
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The surface matters because footing can affect every phase. Speed players, offensive linemen and pass rushers depend on consistent traction during sudden changes of direction.
Dallas enters the trip at 1-1 after beating Washington 37-20. Dak Prescott threw four touchdown passes in that victory, including the pass that made him Dallas’ career touchdown leader.
The Cowboys still have defensive issues to address. Washington gained more total yards Sunday, while Dallas needed timely stops and a positive turnover margin to control the game.
That makes preparation especially important in Brazil. Dallas must adjust quickly to the travel demands while maintaining its offensive timing and defensive communication.
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Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has also expressed confidence in the NFL’s field preparations. “I trust that the league’s going to make the right decision and they’ll get the field up to standard,” Schottenheimer said.
The NFL has no current relocation plan for the game. The league moved a Chiefs-Rams matchup from Mexico City in 2018 because of field concerns, but Dallas and Baltimore remain scheduled for Rio.
For the Cowboys, the focus now shifts toward executing in unfamiliar conditions. Jones’ comments suggest the organization expects the field to meet NFL standards when kickoff arrives.
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