Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was remorseful after he spit on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and was ejected from the NFL opener.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) was ejected for the first snap of a win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday in Philadelphia. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI UPI Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott failed to throw a touchdown pass in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday in Philadelphia. File Photo by Ian Halperin/UPI UPI Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said he would speak with Jalen Carter regarding his spitting incident Thursday in Philadelphia. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI UPI Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) made the Pro Bowl in 2024, his second season in the NFL. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI UPI Quarterback Jalen Hurts called on the Philadelphia Eagles to improve their discipline and focus after a win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday in Philadelphia. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI UPI

Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was remorseful after he spit on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and was ejected from the NFL opener.

Carter spoke to reporters in the locker room after the 24-20 win over the Eagles' division rivals Thursday in Philadelphia. The Pro Bowl defensive lineman was ejected before the first snap of the night, creating a large void in the Eagles' defense for the remainder of the night.

"It was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won't happen again," Carter said. "I feel bad for my teammates and the fans out there. I'm doing it for them.

"Not being able to start the game even, finish the game, it [expletive] me up but we're going to get it better. It won't happen again. I can make that promise."

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The incident occurred with 14:54 on the clock in the first quarter. The NBC broadcast showed Carter approaching the Cowboys huddle and exchanging words with Prescott before spitting on the Cowboys quarterback. He was then ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct. Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis saw an increase in snaps due to Carter's absence.

Prescott later told reporters that the circumstances were "unfortunate." He also said he frequently spits during games and did so in a forward motion Thursday to avoid hitting his own lineman. Carter then approached Prescott and asked if the Cowboys quarterback was trying to spit on him.

Additional video of the interaction showed Prescott spitting between two of his linemen before looking up and smiling at Carter.

"I wouldn't spit on somebody," Prescott said. "I stepped through [and] I actually said words like, 'The hell -- excuse me, but probably even more colorful -- what would I need to spit on you for?' And he just spit on me in that moment. It was more of a surprise than anything."

Prescott motioned to officials after Carter spit on him, making sure they witnessed the sequence. The Eagles were also penalized 15 yards. The Cowboys went on to score six plays later, when running back Javonte Williams ran for a one-year touchdown.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni told reporters after the game that he would address the situation with Carter, who could face additional discipline. Quarterback Jalen Hurts said the Eagles must take their discipline and focus "to another level."

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Hurts completed 19 of 23 passes for 152 yards in the victory. He also ran for 62 yards and two scores. Eagles running back Saquan Barkley totaled 84 yards from scrimmage and a score.

Prescott completed 21 of 34 passes for 188 yards in the loss. Williams totaled 64 yards from scrimmage and two scores for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys out-gained the Eagles 307-302 in total yards and held a 22-20 advantage in first downs, but lost the turnover battle 1-0. The Eagles won despite totaling nine penalties for 110 yards, compared to the Cowboys' four infractions for 42 yards. The Eagles held a 34:52 to 25:08 advantage in time of possession.

The Eagles (1-0) will face the Kansas City Chiefs in their next game Sept. 14 in Kansas City, Mo. The Cowboys (0-1) will host the New York Giants on Sept. 14 in Arlington, Texas.