Eagles DT Carter is ejected after spitting on Dak

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected from Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys before the first play from scrimmage.

There was an injury delay following the opening kickoff for Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren, who remained on the ground for several minutes. During that time, Carter and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott got face-to-face. Cameras showed Carter spit on Prescott as the two began to separate.

Prescott quickly motioned to a nearby official, who threw the flag and sent Carter packing for unsportsmanlike conduct six seconds into the NFL season opener. Fans booed as Carter walked off slowly, holding his helmet in his hands behind his back.

“One of the officials observed [Carter] spitting on an opponent,” referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter. “It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game. It’s a non-football act.”

The Eagles were hit with a 15-yard penalty, and the Cowboys proceeded to go down the field and score a touchdown on their six-play opening drive, capped by a 1-yard rush by Javonte Williams.

Carter, 24, is considered one of the best defensive tackles in the game. He had 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss to help lead the No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL last season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.