It didn't take long to have the first controversy of the NFL season.
Philadelphia Eagles star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was kicked out of the opening game on Sunday Night vs. the Dallas Cowboys before he got to play a snap. Carter was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty call while the Eagles medical staff was looking at another player for an injury.
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Carter's ejection could have huge implications on the first game of the year, as he is one of Philadelphia's best defensive players, and the Eagles didn't prepare for him not to play. Here's a look at what he did to get kicked out.
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Jalen Carter ejection, explained
Jalen Carter was ejected from the opening game vs. the Cowboys for spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. The incident occurred during a pause in action after the opening kickoff, when a Philadelphia player was being helped off with an injury.
Here is Jalen Carter spitting on Dak Prescott: pic.twitter.com/4F5BjEDLHf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2025
The NFL is making an effort to crack down on unsportsmanlike penalties this season, and Carter is the first victim of the actions. Besides the ejection, the Eagles were also given a 15-yard penalty for Carter's action against Prescott.
On that first drive, Dallas went down the field and scored a rushing touchdown, perhaps because Carter wasn't on the field to provide any resistance.