NFL reviews spitting incident between Jalen Carter and Dak Prescott in season opener

The NFL is reviewing a spitting incident between Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott that led to Carter's ejection in the season-opening game, league sources said Friday.

Carter was removed from Thursday night's game in Philadelphia after officials ruled he had spat on Prescott just seconds into the contest. League insider Tom Pelissero reported that the NFL is examining the incident and that Carter could face additional discipline beyond the on-field ejection.

New slow-motion footage released after the game appeared to show Prescott spitting onto the ground just before play began, a detail that complicates the sequence that resulted in Carter's dismissal. The replay indicated Prescott's spit did not make contact with Carter; league officials said they would review the full video and game-feed angles as part of the discipline assessment. It was not immediately clear whether Prescott would face a fine or other penalty.

Carter was ejected during the high-profile NFC East matchup before his first official snap and before the game was more than a few seconds old. The incident drew swift reaction from media and fans and interrupted what was otherwise a widely watched season opener between the rival clubs.

Television analyst Stephen A. Smith criticized both players on ESPN's First Take on Friday, saying he was "utterly disgusted" by the conduct. "You don't spit on anybody. You don't spit on a man," Smith said, adding he was speaking about standards in the NFL. Co-host Molly Qerim interjected that no one should be spat on regardless of gender.

The NFL's player safety and discipline processes typically result in fines rather than suspensions for spitting incidents, though penalties vary based on intent, context and precedent. League officials customarily review the incident report from game officials, security footage and broadcast replays before determining whether to levy fines or other discipline.

Both the Eagles and Cowboys declined immediate comment through team channels Friday as the league's review continued. The incident underscored tensions that can flare in high-stakes divisional games and came at the very start of the regular season, drawing attention from commentators and league officials alike.

Further details about any discipline, including potential fine amounts or supplemental suspensions, will depend on the NFL's formal findings. The league's review is ongoing, and additional information may be released once the investigation is complete.