Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart somehow avoided an ejection after delivering an unnecessary cheap shot to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in the third quarter of Friday night’s season opener.

Midway through the third quarter, Travis Kelce and Teair Tart were seen exchanging words after a two-yard run by Kareem Hunt. Tart then slapped Kelce in the helmet and was flagged for unnecessary roughness, but curiously avoided an ejection:

Fans didn’t have to wait long for the first ejection of the 2025 NFL season, as Philadelphia Eagles star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was kicked out for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quartertback Dak Prescott before the first play from scrimmage.

But Tart was definitely fortunate to avoid a similar punishment here. While Carter is facing a possible suspension, Teair Tart shouldn’t be surprised if the cheap shot on Travis Kelce culminates in a fine.

Per OvertheCap.com, Tart is playing on a one-year deal with the Chargers worth $4.5 million. He signed with the AFC West club before the start of last season and appeared in all 17 of their regular-season games.