Jalen Carter was suspended by the NFL.
But the Philadelphia Eagles' star defensive tackle is playing in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
How does that work?
It has to do with the timing of when Carter spit on Cowboys QB Dak Prescott and was ejected from the first game of the NFL season.
We'll explain.
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Why is Jalen Carter playing for Eagles vs. Chiefs after suspension?
The NFL suspended Carter without pay for one game.
The nuance comes out of that decision, though.
Carter was disqualified from the Eagles' game vs. the Cowboys before a defensive snap was played. So the NFL deemed that he had already, in essence, served a one-game suspension.
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This was what the NFL wrote in its release on the matter:
"Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles has been suspended without pay for one game for his act of unsportsmanlike conduct in last Thursday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Because Carter was disqualified before participating in a single play, the suspension is considered to have been served in Week 1 and he will forfeit his game check. The NFL Players Association has informed the NFL that Carter will not contest the discipline and has waived his right to appeal. He is eligible to participate in the club’s Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. League rules prohibiting unsportsmanlike conduct are of vital importance to everyone involved in the game. The NFL has been clear with players, clubs, and the NFLPA that it plans to place particular emphasis on sportsmanship this season."
So it's in the books as a one-game suspension, but time has already been served.
The Eagles will gladly welcome back their best defensive player for a Super Bowl rematch.
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