On Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia, Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected before the first play from scrimmage after spitting at Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott; the 15-yard penalty set up Dallas’ opening touchdown.
Key Takeaways
- Jalen Carter was ejected before the first snap of the Sept. 4, 2025 game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
- The incident occurred during an injury stoppage after Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren was hurt on the opening kickoff.
- Carter allegedly spat at Cowboys QB Dak Prescott; Prescott alerted the nearby official and a flag was thrown for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- The 15-yard penalty moved the ball to Dallas’ own 47; six plays later Javonte Williams scored on a 1-yard run.
- Williams, a recent Cowboys free-agent addition, finished the drive with the touchdown that followed Carter’s ejection.
- The ejection and VanSumeren’s injury subdued a crowd that had just watched the Eagles raise their Super Bowl banner.
Verified Facts
The sequence began on the opening kickoff when Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren was injured and required an injury timeout before being taken to the training room. While play was paused and the Cowboys offense was huddling on the field, Carter approached the sideline near the visiting huddle.
According to on-field reports, Carter spat in the direction of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who then motioned to an official standing nearby. A penalty flag was thrown and game officials ruled the act unsportsmanlike, resulting in an immediate ejection of Carter.
The league-assessed 15-yard penalty placed the ball at Dallas’ 47-yard line to begin the opening drive. Six plays into that drive, Javonte Williams — who signed with the Cowboys in free agency this offseason — scored on a 1-yard rushing play to give Dallas an early lead.
The ejection meant Carter did not record a snap in the game. The injury to VanSumeren and the unusual early ejection changed the opening momentum in the stadium, which had been celebrating the Eagles’ Super Bowl banner moments earlier.
Context & Impact
On-field ejections for unsportsmanlike conduct are relatively rare and typically reserved for clear acts of aggression or deliberate spitting. Removing a starting defensive lineman before the first play can alter rotation plans and defensive matchups for the remainder of the game.
For Dallas, the 15-yard penalty provided improved field position and an early scoring opportunity; the Cowboys converted that chance into a touchdown. For Philadelphia, the team lost a defensive contributor and had to adjust personnel immediately.
Javonte Williams’ touchdown is notable because the Cowboys addressed a limited rushing touchdown output last season — they scored only six rushing TDs — by restructuring their running back room during the offseason and adding Williams in free agency.
Official Statements
Officials ruled the incident unsportsmanlike and enforced an immediate ejection for the player involved.
NFL Game Officials
Explainer
Unconfirmed
- Any supplemental discipline (fine or suspension) from the NFL office has not been announced.
- Medical status and expected recovery time for Ben VanSumeren have not been released publicly.
Bottom Line
Jalen Carter’s ejection before the first snap changed the early trajectory of the game by handing Dallas favorable field position and an early touchdown, while leaving the Eagles short a defensive lineman and managing an unexpected in-game adjustment. The NFL’s disciplinary response and the full update on VanSumeren’s injury remain pending.