Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected from the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys after spitting at quarterback Dak Prescott
Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Carter was ejected for spitting at Dak Prescott.(Image: NBC Sports)
Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive tackle, Jalen Carter, was given his marching orders in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys after he spat at opposition quarterback Dak Prescott. The shocking incident took place just six seconds into the NFL game, which the Eagles won 24-20.
The incident ignited as Cowboys’ kick-returner KaVontae Turpin ran out of bounds following a 27-yard return to bring out Dallas’ offence. During the return, Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren suffered an injury, sparking tensions between the two NFC East rivals.
Carter was then shown the red card, leaving the home crowd at Lincoln Financial Field gobsmacked. Replay cameras caught Carter spitting on Prescott’s chest, ending his first game of the season in mere seconds.
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It was a catastrophic start for the Super Bowl champions, with Carter being sent off and VanSumeren being stretchered off the pitch with a potentially serious injury. While the contact upset the Eagles, Carter’s actions only added fuel to the fire.
Carter, who was drafted from Georgia in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, played a pivotal role for Philadelphia last season as they lifted the Lombardi Trophy. Since joining the NFL, Carter has forced five fumbles, the most by any defensive tackle, reports the Mirror US.
Before the match, Carter was touted as a game-changer after the Cowboys traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. However, after just six seconds, the defence was levelled as Carter exited the field in disgrace.
Dak Prescott was spat at by Jalen Carter(Image: Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
After the game, Carter said: “It was a mistake that happened on my side. It won’t happen again. I feel bad for just my teammates and fans out there. I’m doing it for them. I’m doing it for my family, also. But the fans, they showed the most love.”
The Cowboys seized the opportunity on their opening drive, with former Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams scoring on his debut. After four seasons and 16 touchdowns with the Broncos, Williams inked a one-year, £2.6million contract with Dallas this past offseason.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts levelled the score in the first quarter with a signature short sprint into the endzone, continuing his impressive record. As the second quarter kicked off, Williams dashed in for his second touchdown of the match.
Carter was tipped to be named Defensive Player of the Year heading into this season. While the Eagles were eager to mount a robust title defence this season, it’s a crucial year for the Cowboys after failing to reach the playoffs last term.
Carter joined the Eagles in 2023(Image: ©Icon Sportswire (A Division of XML Team Solutions) All Rights Reserved)
It’s a pivotal year for Prescott to demonstrate his worth and reignite his partnership with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Following the trade of Parsons, it’s a critical year for the front office given the unpopularity of the decision.
Parsons was angling for a lucrative extension in Dallas but was traded after franchise owner Jerry Jones rejected his terms. The Packers secured Parsons in exchange for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Parsons subsequently signed a four-year, £140m contract, with £89m guaranteed at signing.
Dallas now has two first-round picks to rebuild the roster for the future, but Cowboys fans are running out of patience. The Packers, meanwhile, are now deemed Super Bowl contenders.
