In a devastating addition to the Seattle Seahawks’ injury report, it appears Head Coach Pete Carroll gnawed into his signature gum so hard this week he blew out his jaw, tearing his TMJ.

Carroll, known league-wide for his legendary mandibular prowess, spoke to reporters from a Philadelphia hospital room anyway Sunday morning.

“Injuries are a part of the game,” said Carroll enthusiastically while medical vises kept his jaw from habitually moving in a chewing motion . “I didn’t even notice until our team medics ran over during practice yesterday and told me I had a bone poking out of my face.”

Carroll, a true coach’s coach, watched game film as he fell under the anesthesia before his surgery.

Against medical advice, rumors are floating that Carroll says he’ll be back to coach today’s wildcard playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s reportedly confident he’ll be able to prevent future injury by quitting gum and taking up smoking.

(Photo: “Russell Wilson” by Keith Allison Licensed Under CC BY 2.0)