With just hours to go before the NFL's first game in Rio de Janeiro, the turf that the Cowboys and Ravens are slated to play on is still drawing heavy criticism after various safety concerns. It's now too late for the league to scrap the highly-publicized contest, so teams and players will have to decide for themselves how they'll navigate the footing. The NFL says it's not concerned, but the players union feels differently and continues to evaluate the playing surface; the Cowboys players will see the field for themselves for the first time on Saturday morning.
The team, meanwhile, is treating this trip as an all-business venture, skipping the sights and scenery of Rio and keeping themselves mostly confined to their hotel. As for Sunday, expect
an aggressive game plan that attempts to exploit a struggling Baltimore offensive line and also contain both Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in what Jerry Jones called a "bad matchup" against a team that most believe is significantly better than they showed last week in a loss to the Saints.
Also in Cowboys Nation, Jake Ferguson's Week 2 fine puts the NFL and several of its biggest corporate sponsors in a strange and hypocritical spotlight, and the Cowboys family remembers one of the franchise's most iconic and influential innovators... who never even put on a helmet.
The Ravens are also eyeing the field at Maracanã Stadium, but their players say they're ready to line up. They'll do so with one of their top defenders back in the fold and a premier pass-catching threat nearing a return. And could Baltimore's flock actually outshine the Cowboys faithful in the stands in Rio? One Ravens superstar is calling for it.
Around the league, some big names are on the injury report, but not all the news is bad. Nick Bosa is out and Puka Nacua is doubtful to play Week 3, but Saquon Barkley and Sam Darnold are planning to play despite their recent dings. And despite how gruesome the Jayden Daniels elbow injury looked last Sunday the Commanders say their starter is actually "week-to-week" and won't even go on IR.
Dallas Cowboys Top Headlines
- NFLPA still evaluating Maracanã Stadium field concerns as Cowboys-Ravens approaches :: Dallas Morning News (Link)
- Dallas Cowboys will barely leave the hotel in Brazil: ‘This is a business trip’:: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Link)
- Dak Prescott, Cowboys want to 'be the aggressors' vs. Ravens in Rio :: DallasCowboys.com (Link)
- Cowboys' Brazilian 'But' List details contradictions of how to beat Ravens :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
- Jerry Jones admits Ravens are 'bad matchup' for Cowboys & Dallas' fatal flaws prove why :: SI.com (Link)
- Can the Cowboys defense break through Baltimore's struggling O-Line? :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
- Cowboys facing unprecedented NFL travel scenario for Week 3 game vs. Ravens in Brazil :: CBS Sports (Link)
- 3 QTNA: Where will Cowboys run game come from vs Ravens in Week 3? :: Cowboys Wire (Link)
- NFL hypocrisy on full display in Rio after Jake Ferguson fine for 'shotgunning beer' :: SI.com (Link)
- Dee Brock, original director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, dies at age 96 :: NBC News (Link)
Latest Baltimore Ravens News
- Madubuike returns, Stanley ruled out for Ravens-Cowboys in Brazil :: Ravens Wire (Link)
- Zay Flowers has a 'real opportunity' to play vs. Cowboys; Nnamdi Madubuike poised for debut :: BaltimoreRavens.com (Link)
- Derrick Henry betting on stronger turnout from Ravens fans for Cowboys matchup in Brazil :: Dallas Morning News (Link)
- Lamar Jackson, Ravens not focusing on field conditions in Rio :: ESPN (Link)
News & Headlines from Around the NFL
- Eagles’ Saquon Barkley says he will play on MNF vs. Bears after last week’s stinger :: The Athletic (Link)
- Jayden Daniels considered 'week-to-week,' will not be placed on IR :: Commanders.com (Link)
- 49ers star DE Nick Bosa injures calf, to miss multiple weeks :: ESPN (Link)
- Rams WR Puka Nacua doubtful to play vs. Broncos :: Orange County Register (Link)
- Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (glute) off injury report, to start Sunday vs. Commanders :: NFL.com (Link)
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys Headlines: Rio turf still being evaluated; team skipping sights, scenery in Brazil
