Jalen Carter knew he made a mistake.
But sometimes, you can’t take an action back.
That’s where the Philadelphia Eagles’ star defensive tackle found himself Thursday night.
In the heat of the moment, after a bit of back and forth with Dak Prescott and a spit from the Cowboys’ QB directed toward Carter’s feet, Carter spit toward Prescott’s face.
It earned Carter an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and disqualification from the game. His ejection nearly cost the Eagles, but Philadelphia went on to win, 24-20.
MORE: Video reveals Dak Prescott spit first before Jalen Carter
Carter was tossed before a single defensive snap. The conflict started during an extended stoppage on a kickoff injury.
After Thursday’s game, Carter spoke with reporters to share his remorse.
“I feel bad for my teammates and the fans out there. I’m doing it for them,” Carter said, adding that he wouldn’t do anything like that again.
The Eagles lost basically their entire defensive line rotation plan with Carter out. Their interior linemen were stuck on the field most of the game.
It helped Dallas get off to a good start running the ball. The Cowboys scored touchdowns on each of their first two possessions, both on Javonte Williams runs.
Dallas was held to two field goals from there as the Philly defense settled in.
There’s still some question as to whether Carter will be suspended, but his postgame remorse was a good step in the right direction. And he also more or less served a one-game suspension by not actually getting into a play Thursday night.
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