It was a thrilling NFL season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, but all anyone can talk about is Jalen Carter. The Eagles defensive tackle was ejected before either team took an offensive snap after spitting on Dak Prescott.
This incident has sparked curiosity among fans on if Carter could face additional discipline, such as a suspension, from the NFL. There is also additional angles showing Dak Prescott spitting prior to Carter’s incident, but the Eagles defender was a considerably distance away from the Cowboys quarterback.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the NFL is exploring all the details and footage of the incident before deciding if additional discipline is necessary. The NFL insider added that Prescott is unlikely to receive discipline, while Carter’s status remains uncertain.
“The NFL is going to review the entire spitting incident, which is standard procedure in any case that involves an ejection,” Pelissero detailed on a September 5, 2025, episode of “Good Morning Football.” “That could lead to a fine. It can, in certain cases, lead to a suspension, but there’s several important factors here to note.
“One, Jalen Carter effectively served a one-game suspension last night by becoming one of the only players in NFL history to get ejected before playing a snap in the game. Generally, if you’re going back historically, the NFL in terms of additional discipline has handled spitting incidents with fines, not suspensions.”
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Is Unlikely to Face Discipline for Incident With Eagles DT Jalen Carter: Insider
This is a long way of saying that past discipline for similar spitting incidents has led to fines, not suspensions. With Carter missing all of Week 1, smart money is likely on the defender being able to suit up against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. The one thing that appears most clear is that Prescott is unlikely to face any discipline from the league.
“As for Dak Prescott, let’s be very clear here,” Pelissero added. “There is no rule against spitting in the general direction of someone from a significant distance.
“I would not anticipate that this is going to become something that ends up in discipline for Dak Prescott.”
Jalen Carter on Possible Suspension: ‘If I Get That Text or That Call, That Conversation, Then We’ll Handle It’
Carter’s postgame comments ranged from being apologetic to pointing towards Prescott for instigating the incident. The Eagles defender was asked if he is worried about a possible suspension by the NFL.
“If I get that text or that call, that conversation, then we’ll handle it,” Carter told reporters on September 5.
Eagles Declined to Reveal If Jalen Carter Will Face Additional Discipline for Incident vs. Cowboys
In addition to the NFL’s decision, Carter could face additional punishment from the Eagles. Head coach Nick Sirianni noted on multiple occasions that Carter’s discipline, if any, will be handled “in-house.”
“I’m going to keep all our conversations, and all my disciplinary things in-house, but we’ve got to fix it as coaches,” Sirianni explained, per Pro Football Talk. “… Again, I will keep everything in-house and you won’t ever get that from me.
“Everything will always be handled in-house. Just like private conversations I have with players, none of that will ever get out to you, I’m sorry.”
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