The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys have received the green light for their Week 3 matchup in Brazil despite concerns surrounding the field conditions at Maracana Stadium.
NFL Field Director Nick Pappas said the field passed all mandatory testing requirements Friday ahead of Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff on CBS. The NFL conducted the testing alongside the NFL Players Association and an independent specialist, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.
“Nick Pappas, the NFL field director, said the Maracana field passed all of the mandatory requirements on Friday in testing in conjunction with the NFLPA and an independent specialist,” Archer reported Saturday on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The nature of the issues with soccer led to complaints from the bumpiness that are not as much of an issue with football.”
Pappas added that the league's primary focus remains player performance and that officials expect the field to be in good condition. A tarp will also be available to protect the playing surface if rain falls before the game.
Ravens, Cowboys enter Brazil matchup at 1-1
Both teams enter Sunday's international matchup looking to move above .500 through three games.
Baltimore is attempting to rebound from a 24-17 Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints in its home opener. The Ravens carried a lead into the fourth quarter before allowing 15 unanswered points in the final period.
Dallas enters Brazil with momentum following a convincing 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders in its Week 2 home opener.
With the field clearing its required inspections, the Ravens and Cowboys can turn their full attention toward Sunday's matchup as each team searches for its second victory of the season.