The Philadelphia Eagles are heading on the road to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. The biggest question mark going into the game was whether Jalen Carter would be on the field or not.
Fans didn't have to wait long as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the NFL is fining Carter $57,222 for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The league added that the Week 1 ejection will serve as a one-game suspension.
Carter's agent Drew Rosenhaus, revealed that Carter won't appeal and is focused on the Chiefs contest on Sunday.
Jalen Carter Will Be on the Field vs. Chiefs in Week 2
Having Carter back out there will be a massive boost to this Eagles defense. He's arguably their best defensive player and is a player who impacts both the run and pass game. And matching up against Patrick Mahomes is when you need to generate pressure the most.
In Week 1, the Chiefs allowed eight quarterback hits and two sacks. That offensive line showed some cracks in the opener, and having Carter out there will pay dividends against Kansas City.
In Carter's absence, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo played the majority of the snaps. Ojomo finished with just one tackle and a 55.7 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus. Davis played better, logging six tackles, one TFL, and one pass deflection. He posted a 71.2 overall grade.
Having Davis and Carter as the main two interior linemen is a far scarier duo and will be an area of the defense that could change the game.
And the Chiefs will be without two of the top WRs. Rashee Rice is serving a six-game suspension, and Xavier Worthy suffered a dislocated shoulder last week. Kansas City will be leaning on other guys to step up, and that could lead to Mahomes holding onto the ball an extra tick longer.
For reference, Mahomes's time to throw was 2.70 seconds in the opener against the Chargers last week compared to the 3.24 seconds in February's Super Bowl.
If Mahomes continues to hold onto the ball, Carter and that defensive line may be able to get home. The Georgia product is going to garner a lot of attention, and that will lead to some advantageous opportunities for his teammates.
While it didn't seem like Carter was going to be suspended, the news is finally official, so everyone can turn the page. The Eagles will deal with Carter behind the scenes, but head coach Nick Sirianni made it seem like the 24-year-old was going to be out there on the field against the Chiefs.
Philadelphia is looking to go 2-0, and they'll have their young star available for this Super Bowl rematch.