In Thursday’s season opener at Lincoln Financial Field, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected before he played a snap after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during an injury timeout, a sequence that drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and preceded an opening-drive Cowboys touchdown.
Key takeaways
- Jalen Carter was disqualified during the NFL Kickoff Game after spitting on Dak Prescott during an injury stoppage.
- The incident occurred after the opening kickoff while Cowboys and Eagles players were on the field for an injury review involving Eagles special teams member Ben VanSumeren.
- Carter received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and was ejected before recording a snap.
- The penalty helped set up the Cowboys’ opening-drive touchdown.
- Carter, 23, was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 draft and came into the season following his first Pro Bowl selection.
Verified facts
On the opening kickoff of the NFL Kickoff Game, Dallas received the ball. A play involving Eagles special teamer Ben VanSumeren resulted in an injury stoppage while medical staff attended to VanSumeren on the field.
During the stoppage, replay footage shows Carter and Prescott in close proximity; video then shows Carter spitting toward Prescott’s face. Officials assessed Carter a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and removed him from the remainder of the game.
The penalty moved the Cowboys into favorable field position and was followed by a touchdown drive on the game’s opening possession. Carter did not play a defensive snap before being ejected.
Carter is 23 years old, was selected ninth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and is coming off his first Pro Bowl season in 2024.
Context & impact
Short-term, the Eagles lost a leading defensive lineman for the game, potentially altering rotation plans and interior pass-rush matchups. The ejection also changed the momentum of the opening series, giving the Cowboys early points.
Longer term, the league routinely reviews on-field misconduct for supplemental discipline. The incident could lead to fines or further penalties after review, and it adds scrutiny to Carter’s conduct entering the new season.
For Philadelphia’s defense, replacing a Pro Bowl interior presence like Carter often forces greater snap counts for backups and can influence defensive play-calling against an opponent with a strong offense like Dallas.
Official statements
The player was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct following an incident during an injury stoppage on the opening kickoff.
Game officials / NFL on-field announcement
Unconfirmed
- Any additional fines or suspensions from the NFL beyond the in-game ejection and penalty — pending league review.
- Whether the act was deliberate retaliation or an isolated incident — intent has not been officially established.
- Internal disciplinary actions from the Eagles organization beyond standard league procedures.
Bottom line
The ejection of Jalen Carter removed one of the Eagles’ most impactful interior defensive players before the first whistle on defense, and the 15-yard penalty immediately affected field position and scoring on the opening drive. The league’s follow-up review will determine if further discipline is warranted. The episode raises questions about on-field conduct and its consequences during high-profile games.