During the first play of Thursday’s 2025 NFL season opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter found himself sidelined — not because of an injury, but due to a controversial incident.

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After Thursday’s opening kickoff and amid a medical timeout for an injured player, cameras captured Carter confronting the Cowboys’ huddle. Face-to-face with Dak Prescott, Carter seemingly spat at the Dallas quarterback.

This led to officials immediately calling an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Carter, resulting in his ejection before even participating in a play. An Eagles staff member then guided him off the field to the locker room.

Carter’s absence created a significant gap in the defensive line. While Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts earned a Wheaties box cover last season, and Saquon Barkley had an extraordinary season as a running back, Carter was the understated hero during their championship run, known for his solo impactful pressure. His peak performance came in the postseason, notably in the Super Bowl, where the Eagles managed to pressure Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes without resorting to blitzing.

Carter’s ejection was exacerbated by other offseason departures on the line. Defensive tackle Milton Williams went to New England, and pass rusher Josh Sweat left for Arizona.

Those departures placed an even bigger spotlight on Carter to produce this season. Now, how he’ll fare won’t be known until Week 2.