Spit, Not Injury, Sidelines Eagles’ Jalen Carter in Season Opener vs. Dallas Cowboys

Due to Jalen Carter's ejection after just one play in Thursday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles did not have one of their defensive anchors to start the 2025 season.

The defensive lineman's night was over when cameras caught him spitting at quarterback Dak Prescott during a break in the game after the first kickoff. Carter was not acting in a sportsmanlike manner, so officials quickly disqualified him before he could take a picture.

At first, it was not clear why Carter did what he did. Later, the video showed that Prescott had started the fight by spitting on the ground near Carter just moments before.

Prescott said that what happened was a mistake. "I would not spit on someone." Prescott said, "I am not at all trying to spit on you." "A game is coming up."

Carter said he was mistaken after the game. "I was mistaken on my end." "It will never happen again," he said. "I feel bad for my fans and teammates out there." "It is for them and my family."

After Milton Williams and Josh Sweat left for New England and Arizona in the summer, Carter's departure left a big hole in the Eagles' defense. Carter became a big star during the Super Bowl run last year, putting pressure on passers without the need for blitzes.

His absence is significant for the Eagles as they attempt to get their defense back to its pre-title game level. Carter's next chance to play will not come until Week 2.