Eagles' Carter ejected before 1st play for spitting on Prescott

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected from Thursday's 24-20 season-opening win over the Cowboys after spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott ahead of the game's first play from scrimmage.

Prescott and Carter appeared to exchange words coming out of the huddle before the Eagles star spat on the Cowboys passer in front of the referee. The official immediately threw the flag for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected Carter.

Referee Shawn Smith described Carter's behavior as "a disqualifiable foul," according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

"It's a non-football act," Smith said.

The broadcast later showed a video of Prescott spitting on the ground toward Carter and the Eagles' defensive huddle before the confrontation between them.

It was a perfect start to the season for the Cowboys, who scored the campaign's first touchdown on a short run by Javonte Williams just minutes after Carter's ejection.

Carter, arguably the Eagles' best defensive player, earned a second-team All-Pro nod in 2024 while helping Philly win the Super Bowl. The 24-year-old entered the NFL as the ninth overall pick in '23.

Tempers also flared on the following drive, as a fight between Eagles and Cowboys players broke out on a kickoff return after Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts scored a touchdown.