Jalen Carter spitting incident: What is the Eagles DT’s “lenient” punishment?

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter has been fined the equivalent of one week’s paycheck after spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the NFL Kickoff game.

The NFL announced Carter must pay $57,222 and was handed a one-game suspension for the incident. But the punishment raised eyebrows, with some observers calling it surprisingly lenient.

Jalen Carter suspension already served

According to the league, Carter’s suspension is considered complete because he was ejected before playing a single snap against Dallas. That means the one-game ban applies to Week 1, not Week 2, leaving him eligible to suit up when the Eagles face the Kansas City Chiefs next.

“Because Carter was disqualified before participating in a single play, the suspension is considered to have been served in Week 1 and he will forfeit his game check,” the NFL said in a statement. The league added that the NFL Players Association informed officials Carter will not appeal the decision.

Eagles could still take action against Carter

Head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters Monday that any additional discipline from the team will be handled privately.

“I’ll keep anything I do with him private, regardless of whether you see it on Sunday or not,” Sirianni said. “Every conversation, whether personal, disciplinary, or otherwise, is always addressed privately.”

Defensive line steps up

With Carter sidelined, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio leaned on the depth of his roster to slow the Cowboys’ rushing attack. Jordan Davis (86 percent of snaps) and Moro Ojomo (90 percent) shouldered most of the workload inside, while Byron Young and Gabe Hall rotated in to provide relief.

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