Maracana Stadium turf still being trimmed ahead of Cowboys-Ravens as Rio gears up for 1st NFL game

The NFL Players Association is expressing concerns about the playing surface at Maracanã Stadium ahead of the Ravens vs. Cowboys game in Rio de Janeiro. JC Tretter, the NFLPA's executive director, stated that his union's field experts found the grass needed improved traction and stability. They recommended reinforcing the stitching to help stabilize the surface and brought in equipment to shore it up before Sunday's match.

While the union emphasizes the field's playability, there are worries that loose or patchy grass could cause excessive slipping and hinder player performance. Tretter noted that these issues are more likely to affect performance than cause significant injuries. The field experts will continue monitoring the field through kickoff.

Both the Ravens and Cowboys are scheduled to visit the stadium on Saturday to assess the field conditions firsthand. This, combined with ongoing evaluations by the field experts, will provide additional information to the teams before they decide on footwear and finalize their strategies.

NFL Field Director Nick Pappas had previously indicated that there were no concerns about staging the game at Maracanã and that a relocation was not under consideration. However, Tretter's focus is on achieving a standard field that allows players to perform at their best while also urging the league to address field quality as the NFL expands its international presence.

For the Baltimore Ravens, the primary concern now is how the reinforced grass will hold up under the rigors of the game, particularly during high-speed cuts, accelerations, and changes in direction. The article originally appeared on Ravens Wire, reporting on the NFLPA's field concerns ahead of the Ravens-Cowboys game in Rio.