The Dallas Cowboys are aiming to enter the playoff race in the 2026 NFL season, and maintaining physical condition throughout the campaign will be key. An international trip could take a toll, so Dak Prescott believes the team will need to be well-rested to approach this intriguing Week 3 matchup.
“I’m excited. Playing in my first international game, going into my 11th season, I would’ve thought we would’ve had one by now,” he said via the team’s official website. “But it’s all good. The travel will be tough, but international games are part of growing this game. It’s something we’ll manage. We have to take care of our bodies.“
For the first time in NFL history, Rio de Janeiro will host a regular season game. Brazil have hosted games on two previous occasions; however, those matchups were played in the city of Sao Paulo.
The Dallas Cowboys will travel to South America to face none other than the Baltimore Ravens in a matchup that could very well be a potential Super Bowl preview. Can they ultimately get it done?
Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys
A long trip for the Dallas Cowboys
Arlington to Rio de Janeiro seems like a long journey. The demands this team will face could be balanced out by a key factor, according to Dak Prescott: proper rest.
“For us, we have to make sure we get some good sleep on the plane,” the QB said, referring to the expected 10-hour flight. “I think that’s one of the biggest keys. Sleeping on a plane hasn’t ever been too difficult for me. Hopefully it doesn’t become an issue that week.
“We’ll just manage. We’ve done it before with Thanksgiving week, just not with travel like this. Other teams have, though. It’s not new. They’re doing everything they can to make sure we have the best plan and resources for recovery. I’m looking forward to it.”
The Dallas travel schedule
The Dallas Cowboys face a demanding travel schedule for the 2026 NFL season, featuring critical divisional road trips to New York, Washington, and Philadelphia. Beyond their NFC East rivals, the Cowboys will also hit the road for major matchups across the country, visiting Houston, Green Bay, and Indianapolis, alongside extensive West Coast swings to square off against Seattle and Los Angeles.
Cowboys’ regular season full schedule
- Week 1: at New York Giants
- Week 2: vs Washington Commanders
- Week 3: vs Baltimore Ravens
- Week 4: at Houston Texans
- Week 5: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 6: at Green Bay Packers
- Week 7: at Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 8: vs Arizona Cardinals
- Week 9: at Indianapolis Colts
- Week 10: vs San Francisco 49ers
- Week 11: vs Tennessee Titans
- Week 12: vs Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks
- Week 14: Bye Week
- Week 15: at Los Angeles Rams
- Week 16: vs Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 17: vs New York Giants
- Week 18: at Washington Commanders
