Ian Rapoport Drops Unexpected Update on Jalen Carter’s Sunday Availability—What It Means for the Game

When you think about a player’s conduct setting the tone for a season, Jalen Carter’s latest escapade throws quite the curveball, doesn’t it? Here’s this Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, a magnetic talent with a complicated past, serving what the NFL calls a suspension — though, let’s be honest, it was basically an ejection before the opening whistle and a hefty fine. So, the million-dollar question looms: can a slap on the wrist really keep someone like Carter, whose career’s been peppered with both promise and peril, in check? As the Eagles gear up to face the Kansas City Chiefs, the spotlight isn’t just on the scoreboard; it’s fixed firmly on whether Carter’s off-field demons and on-field antics will finally be tamed or just cleverly disguised for another day.

The NFL has reached a decision on Jalen Carter for Week 2, and it was essentially a slap on the wrist.

The Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle was ejected before the first snap of the season after spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

That, according to the league, was punishment enough, but it didn’t stop it from collecting a fine.

“Jalen Carter will play this week against the Kansas City Chiefs. … Yes, he will play, but that doesn’t necessarily, in the NFL’s eyes, mean that he wasn’t suspended. The way they view it is that Jalen Carter was suspended one game for spitting, that it was the first game, essentially, it was time served. Basically, the NFL would view an early ejection as a suspension. He did get a heavy fine [of] $57,222. The Eagles also agreed not to take away any of his signing bonus, not to take away any of his guaranteed money. So he is quote-unquote suspended for the first game, will play the second game,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said.

From @GMFB: #Eagles DT Jalen Carter will play against the #Chiefs after his spitting incident, while the #49ers are dealing with a slew of injuries. pic.twitter.com/ajG1gBH1rG

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2025

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio put Carter on notice, stating that his actions needed to speak louder than his words if he wants to be considered one of the leaders of their defense.

However, the fact that the team didn’t punish him for his behavior leaves a lot to be desired, as it may not stop him from doing it again.

Carter was considered one of the best prospects but fell in the 2023 NFL Draft because of his well-documented character issues, including his involvement in a fatal car crash.

He’s worked hard to stay on the right path, and helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl last season, but those woes showed up again in the 2025 season opener.

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