Jalen Carter Suspension Rumor: NFL Decision Still Pending After Prescott Incident

Philadelphia, PA — September 8, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles’ season opener has sparked controversy far beyond the scoreboard. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter, one of the team’s brightest young stars, was ejected during Sunday’s game after an incident in which he appeared to spit on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. While the altercation has fueled outrage and speculation across the NFL, there is currently no immediate decision from the league office, raising questions about whether Carter may ultimately avoid suspension.

The Incident

Midway through the third quarter, after a hard sack attempt on Prescott, cameras caught Carter exchanging heated words with the veteran quarterback. Moments later, Carter turned in Prescott’s direction and appeared to spit. The on-field officials quickly convened and, after review, ejected Carter for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The ejection stunned the home crowd at Lincoln Financial Field and ignited one of the fiercest debates of the young NFL season.

Prescott’s Reaction

Prescott, who finished the game despite the altercation, downplayed the incident in postgame remarks.

“I’ve been in this league a long time. Emotions run high. If that’s what happened, I’ll let the league deal with it,” Prescott said. “I’m focused on the Cowboys and what we need to fix.”

Prescott’s calm tone helped prevent the situation from escalating further, but video replays circulating online fueled strong opinions among fans and analysts.

Eagles’ Stance

Head coach Nick Sirianni defended Carter while acknowledging the need for discipline.

“We’ll review it with Jalen internally,” Sirianni said. “He’s a competitor, but we can’t put ourselves in situations that hurt the team. At the same time, I haven’t seen anything official from the league, so we’ll wait and see.”

Several teammates voiced support for Carter, noting his fiery personality but emphasizing his importance to the defense.

NFL’s Silence Raises Questions

Historically, the NFL has moved swiftly when dealing with high-profile disciplinary issues. However, as of Monday afternoon, there has been no ruling on Carter’s status for Week 2.

League insiders suggest that Carter could face a fine rather than a suspension, given the lack of physical violence beyond the spitting gesture. Still, the optics of the incident—particularly against a marquee quarterback like Prescott—may pressure the league to act more decisively.

Fan and Media Reaction

The altercation quickly went viral, with fans and media split on how the NFL should respond.

Some argue that spitting crosses a clear line of sportsmanship and warrants at least a one-game suspension.

Others point to the heat of competition and note that no physical harm was inflicted, making a fine the more reasonable outcome.

Former NFL linebacker Bart Scott weighed in on ESPN’s Get Up:

“Look, spitting is one of the most disrespectful things you can do on a football field. The league has to set a standard. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets at least a game.”

Carter’s availability looms large for the Eagles as they prepare for a crucial Week 2 matchup. The second-year lineman is considered a cornerstone of the defense, praised for his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Losing him, even for a single game, could impact Philadelphia’s early-season momentum.

The NFL has seen similar controversies before. In 2019, then-Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was suspended indefinitely (later reduced to six games) for swinging a helmet at Mason Rudolph. In contrast, less violent but disrespectful actions—such as spitting or verbal altercations—have usually drawn fines rather than suspensions.

That precedent may favor Carter, though the visibility of the incident and the league’s emphasis on sportsmanship could push toward harsher discipline.

For now, all eyes remain on the league office. If no ruling is announced by midweek, the Eagles may prepare as if Carter will be available, though uncertainty could linger until the weekend.

The NFL has yet to decide whether Jalen Carter will face suspension after being ejected for allegedly spitting on Dak Prescott. While many expect at least a fine, the absence of an immediate decision has fueled speculation that Carter could escape suspension entirely.

As the Eagles move forward, the league’s handling of this incident will be closely watched—not just by Philadelphia and Dallas fans, but across the entire NFL landscape.