Will Eagles’ star Jalen Carter face NFL suspension after ugly spitting incident on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott?

The Philadelphia Eagles’ season opener took a chaotic turn Thursday night when defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

The shocking act occurred early in the game during an injury timeout, setting social media ablaze and sparking immediate debates about whether Carter deserves further punishment from the NFL.

Jalen Carter’s spitting ejection leaves Eagles fans worried about possible NFL suspension

Jalen Carter’s ejection wasn’t just embarrassing for the Eagles—it raised serious questions about respect and sportsmanship. Fans, analysts, and even former players have weighed in, with many calling for the league to suspend him.

“WTH did I just see?” Stephen A. Smith wrote on X. “To hell with just an ejection. Suspend that man.”

History, however, may work in Carter’s favor. Similar incidents involving Terrell Owens, Sean Taylor, and Bill Romanowski resulted in fines, not suspensions. In 2006, Owens was fined $35,000 for spitting on Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall, while Taylor paid $17,000 after spitting on Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman.

Neither missed time. The difference? Those cases happened nearly two decades ago, and the NFL could now decide to enforce stricter penalties to set an example.NBC analyst Mike Florio suggested the league may lean on its “respect for opponent” rule when reviewing Carter’s actions. If the NFL agrees with critics like Smith, Carter could be sidelined for Week 2. If not, a heavy fine seems inevitable.

Potential consequences of a Jalen Carter suspension

The timing couldn’t be worse for Philadelphia. The Eagles travel to Kansas City next Sunday for a Super Bowl rematch against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

With Milton Williams and Josh Sweat gone in free agency, the defensive line is already thinner than in 2024. Losing Carter—who ranked fifth among defensive tackles in PFSN’s Impact metric last season—would create a glaring void against one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

Carter’s dominance was on full display during last year’s playoff run, where he tallied two sacks and three defended passes. Without him, the Eagles will lean on Jordan Davis, whose inconsistent production has left question marks heading into the new season.The NFL’s decision is expected soon, and the outcome will shape not just Carter’s reputation but also Philadelphia’s early momentum. For now, the Eagles must prepare for the possibility of facing Mahomes without their most disruptive defender—a scenario that could swing the balance in Week 2.Also Read: Eagles’ Jalen Carter ejected just six seconds into opener for spitting on Dak Prescott