Why did Jalen Carter spit on Dak Prescott? Will he be suspended?

The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 campaign began with drama long before the first snap of the football. Star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was sensationally ejected in Thursday night’s 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys, after a heated exchange with quarterback Dak Prescott escalated in controversial fashion.

The incident occurred moments after the opening kickoff, during a pause in play while Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren was treated on the field. Tensions boiled over when Carter and Prescott squared up, and in the course of separating, Carter was seen spitting at the Cowboys’ quarterback. Video replays later showed Prescott had earlier spit in the direction of Carter and the Eagles’ defensive front, triggering the ugly confrontation.

Carter’s Apology and Prescott’s Defense

After the game, Carter acknowledged his mistake and issued an apology to his teammates, fans, and family. He admitted the act was “a bad decision” and vowed not to repeat it.

Prescott, on the other hand, suggested the clash was the result of a misunderstanding. The Dallas signal-caller explained that spitting is something he does frequently during games and claimed he wasn’t directing it at Carter. According to Prescott, Carter misread the situation and retaliated in frustration.

Officials Take Action

Referee Shawn Smith confirmed that one of the crew members witnessed Carter spitting directly at Prescott, ruling it an act of unsportsmanlike conduct. “It’s a disqualifiable foul,” Smith said. Within seconds, Carter was sent off, leaving the reigning champions without one of their most dominant defensive pieces just six seconds into the new season.

The penalty immediately cost Philadelphia 15 yards, and the Cowboys capitalized with a six-play touchdown drive, capped by a 1-yard rush from Javonte Williams.

Impact on the Eagles

Carter’s early dismissal left the Eagles vulnerable on defense, especially given his reputation as one of the league’s elite interior linemen. Last season, the 24-year-old posted 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, anchoring what was statistically the NFL’s top-ranked defense.

Despite his absence, Philadelphia eventually steadied themselves and eked out a narrow 24-20 victory. Yet, Carter’s ejection is likely to draw further scrutiny from the league office, and a potential fine or suspension could loom as the Eagles attempt to defend their Super Bowl crown.

Will Carter Face Further Punishment?

Despite the shock of his early dismissal, history suggests Carter is unlikely to face suspension. The NFL traditionally responds to spitting incidents with financial penalties rather than bans, unless the act is deemed especially malicious. Sean Taylor, for example, was fined but not suspended following his playoff ejection.

For Carter, the expectation is that the league office will review the footage and impose a fine, possibly in the range of $10,000–$15,000, depending on aggravating factors. Still, given his reputation as one of the league’s brightest defensive talents—4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season—the spotlight on this incident may prompt the NFL to issue a stern warning.

The Optics and Legacy of Spitting in the NFL

In the hyper-competitive world of professional football, physical clashes are part of the game, but spitting remains one of the most stigmatized acts. Unlike rough tackles or aggressive taunts, it is seen as a sign of blatant disrespect, often drawing heavier public backlash than the actual on-field penalties.

For Carter, Thursday’s ejection places him in an unwanted lineage of players remembered for a single impulsive moment. Whether he can rebuild his image will depend not just on his apology—already delivered to fans and teammates—but also on how he conducts himself in the weeks ahead.