Skip to main content
Join Now

Jalen Carter ejection: Report reveals what happened before Eagles star spit on Dak Prescott

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz09/05/25NickSchultz_7
Philadelphia Eagles DL Jalen Carter
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Amid a weather delay, more details are emerging on Jalen Carter’s ejection. The Philadelphia Eagles star was ejected from Thursday’s NFL season opener after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris reported Prescott spit on the ground in the “general vicinity” of the Eagles’ huddle. Carter thought it was “hostile,” and although Prescott started to explain it was not, the Eagles defensive lineman spit back.

The NBC broadcast also showed video of Prescott appearing to spit in Carter’s direction while in the Cowboys’ huddle. They then exchanged words, and that’s when Carter spit back.

Referee Shawn Smith also spoke with pool reporter Zach Berman during the weather delay to discuss Carter’s ejection. He confirmed the decision was due to the fact an official saw the Eagles star spit on Prescott, and it became a “disqualifiable foul” because it was a “non-football act.”

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported Carter could face a suspension for Thursday’s incident. The biggest factor, according to Florio, could be how Carter handles things postgame.

In the meantime, reaction continues to pour in following the ejection. NBC’s Cris Collinsworth had poignant comments on the situation, pointing out just how much of an impact Carter has on the Eagles’ defensive line – and how much his ejection changed the game.

“Jalen Carter is one of my favorite players. I think you know that,” Collinsworth said. “That was one of the most ridiculous things. You just might as well have spit in the face of your entire football team, head coach and everybody involved in the organization. If they lose this game tonight, it will be because Jalen Carter did that before he even played one snap in this game.”

When NBC’s coverage of the weather delay began, analysts Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison discussed Carter’s situation. Harrison also pointed out the impact he has in the locker room while criticizing the “disrespectful” decision to spit on an opponent.

“I was really disappointed with him,” Harrison said of Carter during the second half weather delay. “He has to understand how important he is to that to that team. They’ve lost a bunch of guys, so he’s the best player on that defense. And I just thought it was very selfish and very disrespectful to spit in Dak’s face.”