NFL says Maracanã Stadium field passed required tests before Cowboys-Ravens kickoff

Key Points:

• The playing surface at Brazil's Maracanã Stadium passed all NFL-required tests despite earlier concerns from the NFL Players Association about its condition ahead of the Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys game.
• NFL field director Nick Pappas confirmed that mandatory standards were met after inspections involving the NFLPA and an independent specialist, with ongoing monthly visits since January to monitor the field.
• Despite some visible thin patches on the grass, improvements such as stitching and resting the field have been made, and weather conditions have recently improved to aid field recovery.
• NFLPA executive director JC Tretter emphasized that while initial concerns focused on playability and slipping risks, player safety remains the top priority, and the field is now deemed stable enough for game play.
• The Cowboys conducted a walkthrough on Saturday, testing the surface barefoot and with cleats, ahead of the game scheduled for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, with Dallas as the home team.