PHILADELPHIA — Eagles standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected from Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys before the first play from scrimmage.

After the opening kickoff, there was an injury delay for Eagles fullback Ben VanSumeren, who remained on the ground for several minutes. During that time, Carter and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott got face-to-face, and Carter spat on Prescott as the two began to separate.

Later video showed Prescott spitting in the direction of Carter and the Eagles’ defense before Carter spit on him.

After Carter spit, Prescott quickly motioned to a nearby official, who threw the flag and ejected Carter for unsportsmanlike conduct six seconds into the NFL season opener. Fans booed as Carter walked off slowly, holding his helmet behind his back.

“One of the officials observed [Carter] spitting on an opponent,” referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter. “It’s a disqualifiable foul in the game. It’s a non-football act.”

The Eagles were given a 15-yard penalty, and the Cowboys scored a touchdown on their six-play opening drive, capped by a 1-yard rush by Javonte Williams.

Carter, 24, is considered one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. He had 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss to help lead the No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL last season.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.