The Eagles’ season opener against the Cowboys turned chaotic just six seconds in. During an injury timeout for Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren, defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected before taking a single snap after spitting on Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott. Officials ruled it a disqualifiable foul, and Eagles security escorted him to the locker room. The incident drew backlash, with LeSean McCoy expressing clear disappointment.

On Speakeasy podcast, McCoy addressed the situation: “So you talk about these young players on the secondary. All these young guys that you have on your team when we have Jalen Carter. He kind of helps that out. But now he’s not there. Now. They’re not stopping the run. Now, they’re not going to pressure in front of that. And as a teammate, you letting us down,” he said, adding, “I’ll be mad as hell because y’all we count on you for the very first snap.”

The drama began when Prescott spat toward the ground near the Eagles’ defensive line. Carter misunderstood the gesture, believed it was aimed at him, and retaliated by spitting directly at Prescott. Officials didn’t hesitate, Carter’s act was ruled unsportsmanlike conduct and met with an immediate ejection. Journalist Antwan V. Staley summed up the moment bluntly, “Ejected and likely suspended too. Unreal.”

The NFL rulebook leaves no room for leniency when it comes to acts “detrimental to the game.” Spitting on an opponent ranks among the most visceral violations, carrying an automatic 15-yard penalty and, in serious instances, immediate dismissal.

NFL referee opens up about Jalen Carter’s ejection

Soon after the incident, referee Shawn Smith made it clear why Carter’s night ended abruptly. “One of the officials observed him spitting on an opponent,” Smith explained, leaving no room for misinterpretation. When asked why the punishment wasn’t a lesser penalty, Smith didn’t mince words: “It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game. It’s a non-football act.”

Meanwhile, some argued that Dak Prescott played a role in provoking Carter, having spat in the direction of the Eagles huddle. However, it was Carter who escalated the situation. Beyond the immediate ejection and the NFL fine, speculation is mounting that the league could impose stricter consequences. Analysts suggest this could be part of a broader effort to reinforce sportsmanship and respect across the NFL.

And of course, Carter’s reputation adds layers to the drama. Coming out of Georgia in the 2023 NFL Draft, he was widely seen as one of the most talented defensive prospects. Yet, despite top-three talent, he slid to the Eagles at No. 9, largely due to character concerns stemming from a serious car crash he was involved in. Teams clearly saw the potential but were wary of off-field issues impacting locker room chemistry.

However, over his first two NFL seasons, Carter seemed to erase doubts. He maintained a near-perfect off-field image, avoiding controversies and proving his focus on football. That positive perception, built over two years, now faces a serious setback from a single reckless act. One moment of lost control has the potential to overshadow the discipline and professionalism he displayed for so long.