Lead: On Sept. 5, 2025, during the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys game, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter spat at Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott; Carter was removed from the contest by game officials.
Key Takeaways
- Jalen Carter was ejected after an incident in which he spit on Dak Prescott.
- The action occurred during the Eagles–Cowboys game on Sept. 5, 2025.
- Officials ruled the behavior unsportsmanlike and removed Carter from the game.
- Immediate team discipline beyond the in-game ejection has not been publicly confirmed.
- The incident raises the possibility of league review, fines, or suspension under NFL conduct rules.
- Carter’s ejection affected the Eagles’ defensive rotation during the remainder of the game.
Verified Facts
According to the game timeline and official rulings, Jalen Carter directed spitting behavior at Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott during the matchup on Sept. 5, 2025. Referees judged the act to be unsportsmanlike and issued an ejection, removing Carter from the remainder of the game.
The ejection is recorded in the game’s official paperwork and was enforced on the field by the officiating crew. The removal is distinct from later disciplinary steps the NFL could take, which would be handled by the league office after review.
Dak Prescott was the receiving party in the incident; there are no verified reports that he retaliated on the play. The in-game ejection stands as the immediate punitive action taken by officials.
Context & Impact
Spitting at an opponent is widely regarded in the NFL as severe unsportsmanlike conduct. Ejections for similar conduct remove a player from the contest immediately and often prompt further review by the league.
Beyond the immediate game impact — including the Eagles adjusting their interior defensive snaps — the incident could lead to fines or suspensions following NFL review. Such outcomes typically depend on intent, prior history, and the league’s disciplinary precedent.
For the teams, the episode draws media and fan attention and places both roster and public-relations pressure on the Eagles while the Cowboys and Prescott respond publicly and internally. How the Eagles manage any additional discipline may affect locker-room dynamics and public perception.
Relevant factors
- Player history and prior discipline for Jalen Carter.
- NFL precedent in handling spitting and unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Timing in the season: early-season incidents often receive heightened scrutiny.
Official Statements
Carter was ejected from the game by the officiating crew for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Game officials
Unconfirmed
- Whether the NFL will impose additional fines or a suspension on Jalen Carter (pending league review).
- Any internal disciplinary measures the Eagles may apply beyond league action.
- The intent behind Carter’s action and any private exchanges between players following the incident.
Bottom Line
The ejection of Jalen Carter for spitting on Dak Prescott is a clear in-game disciplinary action that may trigger further NFL review. Expect statements or rulings from the league in the days following Sept. 5, 2025, as officials assess whether additional penalties are warranted.