SAEDNEWS: A heated Eagles-Cowboys rivalry game erupted in controversy almost instantly when Philadelphia defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, just six seconds into the NFL season opener.
According to Saed News, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was thrown out of Thursday night’s 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys before the first offensive snap of the season. The shocking ejection followed a heated altercation with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, in which Carter spit on him during an injury delay.
The incident occurred after the opening kickoff, while Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren remained down on the field. As players regrouped, Carter and Prescott got face-to-face. In the exchange, Carter spit toward Prescott, drawing an immediate penalty and disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Speaking after the game, Carter admitted fault:
“It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again. I feel bad for my teammates and the fans out there. Not being able to start the game or finish the game messed me up, but we’re going to get it better. It won’t happen again. I can make that promise.”
Carter’s absence was felt immediately as the Cowboys capitalized on the penalty, marching down the field for a touchdown on their opening drive.
Video footage later surfaced showing Prescott spitting forward toward the turf and Eagles defenders before Carter’s retaliation. Prescott explained that he spits frequently during games to avoid hitting linemen and insisted there was no intent to disrespect Carter.
“I wouldn’t spit on somebody,” Prescott said. “I stepped through, and I actually said words like, ‘The hell — excuse me, but probably even more colorful — what would I need to spit on you for?’ And he just spit on me in that moment. It was more of a surprise than anything.”
Prescott added he did not expect Carter to be ejected, calling the situation “unfortunate.”
Referee Shawn Smith confirmed that the ejection was based on a clear violation.
“One of the officials observed [Carter] spitting on an opponent,” Smith explained. “It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game. It’s a non-football act.”
The penalty cost Philadelphia 15 yards, setting the tone for a chippy contest in which the Eagles committed nine penalties totaling 110 yards.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni expressed disappointment but declined to confirm whether Carter would face internal discipline.
“[Carter] knows we needed him out there today, and he wasn’t out there against a really good offense,” Sirianni said.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts emphasized the need for composure.
“As a whole team, I think it’s just a matter of taking our discipline to another level and our focus to another level,” Hurts said.
Teammates described Carter as remorseful. Left tackle Jordan Mailata said the defensive lineman addressed the team at halftime to apologize.
Carter, 24, has quickly become one of the NFL’s most dominant young defensive tackles. Last season, he posted 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, anchoring the league’s top-ranked defense.
The Eagles now face a tough test in Week 2 — a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. Whether Carter faces further league discipline remains uncertain. The player himself said he is prepared to handle any potential suspension or fine:
“If I get that text or that call and have that conversation, we’ll handle it then.”
