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Philadelphia Eagles
Sep 9, 2025 4:24 PM EDT
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter’s punishment for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has finally been announced: a $57,222 fine and a zero-game suspension, as the ejection he received from last week’s game is considered his suspension. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported this news.
The fine is exactly what one game check would cost Carter, essentially docking him a week’s pay for the incident.
This news comes as a significant surprise to fans, as many media members expected Carter to face a hefty fine and a multi-game suspension. Now, Carter is set to face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in their week two game, a rematch from Super Bowl 59.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) and defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images — Source: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Having Carter against the Chiefs will be a key factor in how the Eagles can replicate their Super Bowl dominance. His absence in the Cowboys’ game was a major loss, allowing Dak Prescott to operate more freely in the pocket. If not for a few crucial drops by Ceedee Lamb, the Cowboys might have won the game, something that hasn’t happened since 2023.
Kansas City has been known for having one of the best interior offensive lines in football for years, but after Joe Thuney was traded to the Chicago Bears, that reputation seems to have diminished.
The Chiefs’ new left guard, Kingsley Suamataia, allowed three pressures in their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, per PFF. Against a player like Carter, the Chiefs will have a serious problem on their hands if Eagles’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio can scheme up enough one-on-ones for his ace interior pass rusher.
Ultimately, this fine was intended to send a message, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Whether or not that message is as impactful as it should be is open to interpretation, but hopefully it will prevent all spit-related incidents for the remainder of the season.
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