There has been speculation that Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter could be suspended for spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. That apparently won’t happen.
A league official told USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell that a suspension for Carter isn’t on the table. The official was granted anonymity because the NFL is still examining the situation.
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Carter was arguing with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and spit at the quarterback. He was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected.
“It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won’t happen again,” Carter said. “I feel bad, just for my teammates and the fans out there. It won’t happen again. I made that promise.”
More: Will Jalen Carter be suspended? What NFL history says about spitting incidents
“(H)e was trolling, I guess you could say, trying to mess with Tyler Booker,” Prescott said. “I was just looking at him. I was right here by the two linemen, and I guess I needed to spit, and I wasn’t going to spit on my lineman and I just spit ahead. … And he goes, ‘Are you trying to spit on me?’”
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The incident happened after fullback Ben VanSumeren was injured during the opening kickoff. Eagles and Cowboys players hung around the 30-yard line and that’s when the spitting took place.
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Cowboys vs. Eagles: NFC East rivals open 2025 season in NFL’s Kickoff Game
Fireworks are seen prior to the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
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Cowboys vs. Eagles: NFC East rivals open 2025 season in NFL’s Kickoff Game
Fireworks are seen prior to the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
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Cowboys vs. Eagles: NFC East rivals open 2025 season in NFL’s Kickoff Game
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl 59 championship banner is revealed prior to the 2025 NFL Kickoff Game.
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Cowboys vs. Eagles: NFC East rivals open 2025 season in NFL’s Kickoff Game
Former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce looks on prior to the game at Lincoln Financial Field.
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Cowboys vs. Eagles: NFC East rivals open 2025 season in NFL’s Kickoff Game
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks on during warmups.
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Cowboys vs. Eagles: NFC East rivals open 2025 season in NFL’s Kickoff Game
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean looks on in the tunnel prior to the 2025 NFL season opener against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.
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Cowboys vs. Eagles: NFC East rivals open 2025 season in NFL’s Kickoff Game
Lincoln Financial Field during warmups before the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
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Cowboys vs. Eagles: NFC East rivals open 2025 season in NFL’s Kickoff Game
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley looks on during warmups prior to the 2025 NFL season opener against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.
“It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game,” referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter. “It’s a non-football act.”
The NFL has indicated that sportsmanship is a point of emphasis for officials.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Carter suspension won’t be issued for Eagles-Cowboys spitting