PHILADELPHIA (LIVE) — The 2025 NFL season kicked off stunningly when Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected before the first offensive snap of the game for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
The incident unfolded immediately after the opening kickoff. As officials discussed a penalty, Carter walked up to Prescott near the Cowboys’ huddle. Cameras caught the two exchanging words before Carter appeared to spit at the quarterback. Referees wasted no time throwing a flag and ejecting him for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Jalen Carter was thrown out of the game before playing a snap for spitting on Dak Prescott pic.twitter.com/lhhQyJ28rV
— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) September 5, 2025
The game was briefly delayed as Cowboys special teams player Ben VanSumeren remained down with an injury from the kickoff. During that stoppage, Carter’s actions escalated tensions on the field, drawing a loud reaction from both sidelines and the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field.
This marks the second straight season in which an Eagles player has been tossed for unsportsmanlike conduct. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected during a December 22, 2024, matchup against the Washington Commanders.
Will Jalen Carter Be Suspended?
Carter’s bizarre ejection in the season opener might not be the end of the story. After spitting on Prescott before the first offensive snap, many are wondering whether the league could hand down additional punishment.
Historically, though, the NFL hasn’t treated spitting as a suspendable offense. Notable examples include Terrell Owens spitting on DeAngelo Hall and Bill Romanowski targeting J.J. Stokes; both cases resulted in fines rather than missed games. Sports Illustrated Chiefs reporter Zak Gilbert noted that precedent on social media, suggesting Carter could be looking at a lighter penalty.
For those wondering re: Jalen Carter’s potential suspension for Week 2 at #Chiefs, NFL has historically only fined players for similar incidents, including Terrell Owens fined for spitting on DeAngelo Hall in ‘06 and Bill Romanowski for spitting on JJ Stokes in’ ‘97.
— Zak Gilbert (@zaksgilbert) September 5, 2025
That’s especially important for Philadelphia, who head to Kansas City next Sunday for a marquee showdown with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Losing Carter for that game would be a major blow to the Eagles’ defensive front.
Still, the NFL could surprise and make an example of Carter, given the ugly optics of the incident. If that happens, he would miss Week 2 and return in Week 3 when the Eagles host the Los Angeles Rams.
