Who: Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter; When: opening kickoff injury timeout on September 4, 2025; Where: Eagles vs. Cowboys game; What: Carter approached and spat at Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott after Prescott had spat on the ground near the Eagles huddle; Result: Carter was assessed a 15-yard penalty and ejected from the game.
Key Takeaways
- Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting at Dak Prescott during an injury stoppage after the opening kickoff.
- The incident followed Prescott spitting on the ground near the Eagles defensive huddle while a player was being examined.
- An on-field official observed Carter spitting and enforced the ejection and 15-yard penalty.
- NBC footage later showed Prescott smiling after spitting on the ground, which preceded Carter’s reaction.
- The Eagles finished with eight penalties for 105 yards, including multiple personal fouls.
Verified Facts
Carter did not record a snap in the game but was charged with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and removed from the contest following the altercation. The sequence began during an injury timeout while Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren had his knee examined.
Reporting by Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and coverage from NBC Sports indicate Prescott spat on the ground near the Eagles huddle. Carter took offense, approached Prescott, and then spat at the quarterback; an official standing nearby ruled the action by Carter warranted ejection.
The Eagles were flagged eight times for 105 yards in the game. Officials assessed a taunting and a roughing-the-passer penalty involving Nolan Smith, and an unnecessary roughness penalty on Reed Blankenship among the group of flags.
| Player | Penalty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Carter | 15 yards, Ejection | Spitting at opposing quarterback |
| Nolan Smith | Taunting, Roughing passer | Personal foul flags |
| Reed Blankenship | Unnecessary roughness | Penalty contributed to 105-yard total |
Context & Impact
Spitting incidents are taken seriously in the NFL and can carry immediate ejection on the field and subsequent fines or discipline after review. An ejection so early in a game can shift momentum and force schematic adjustments on the defensive line.
Beyond immediate competitive impact, the episode raises questions about player conduct and how teams manage heated exchanges during injury stoppages. The league often reviews such incidents for additional discipline.
- Short-term impact: Eagles lose a key rotational defensive lineman for the remainder of the game.
- Long-term impact: Potential fines or supplementary discipline could follow after NFL review.
Official Statements
NBC showed Prescott spitting on the ground after looking at Carter, then smiling; Carter reacted by approaching the Cowboys quarterback and spitting at him.
NBC Sports update
Unconfirmed
- Whether Prescott intended to target Carter when he spat on the ground remains unclear.
- Any formal discipline beyond the in-game ejection and penalty has not been announced as of publication.
- The precise verbal exchange that preceded the actions has not been fully documented on public video available to reporters.
Bottom Line
The incident cost the Eagles field position and a defensive player early in the game, and it underscores how quickly exchanges during stoppages can escalate. Expect the NFL to review footage and consider additional penalties or fines.