The Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, Jalen Carter, was ejected from the team’s 2025 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys after spitting on quarterback Dak Prescott . The incident occurred shortly after the opening kickoff, when Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren was injured, and play resumed with Dallas’ offense and Philadelphia’s defense on the field.

During the hour-long lightning delay, NFL head referee Shawn Smith addressed a PFWA pool reporter regarding the circumstances that led to Carter’s ejection.

Smith said that one of the officials “observed [Carter] spitting on an opponent,” which is a “disqualifiable foul in the game” and “a non-football act,” via Eagles reporter for 94WIP, Eliot Shorr-Parks.

The ejection came before the first snap, and the Eagles were assessed

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