Eagles Nightmare Start as Key Player Injured on First Play and Jalen Carter Ejected vs Cowboys
Philadelphia, PA – September 5, 2025
The Eagles could not have scripted a worse beginning to their NFL opener against the Dallas Cowboys. In a nationally televised clash, the defending Super Bowl champions saw disaster strike in the opening seconds of the game.
On the very first play, one of Philadelphia’s starters went down clutching his knee after a collision. Trainers rushed onto the field as silence fell over the stadium, with teammates kneeling around him in concern. The sight immediately deflated the energy on the Eagles’ sideline.

While medics attended to the injured player, drama escalated on the defensive front. Eagles star Jalen Carter was ejected before a snap was even made, after spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in a heated pre-play altercation. The move stunned fans and officials alike.
Carter now faces a looming suspension from the NFL. His exit, just seconds into the season, left Philadelphia scrambling for answers. Losing one of their most dominant defensive tackles only compounded the sense that this was quickly becoming a night to forget.
Amid the chaos, the first injured player was carted off the field. The fear was immediate—that his season may already be over before it even began. For the Eagles, a roster built on depth and resilience will be tested from the very start of their title defense.

That player was Ben VanSumeren. The versatile fullback, who played a vital role in last year’s championship run, is now feared to have suffered a serious ACL injury. If confirmed, it would be a devastating blow to Philadelphia’s offensive plans for 2025.
For Eagles Nation, the mix of injury and ejection in just the first moments of the season opener was almost surreal. What was meant to be a statement game against Dallas turned into a nightmare scenario, leaving questions about how this team can bounce back.











