Thomas Davis says he absolutely expects to play

“This is something that if it comes down to a pain tolerance and playing through it, I will be there”.

Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis is the only player on the roster coach Ron Rivera has concern about regarding his status for Super Bowl 50.

“I got two weeks to heal up, and I’m going to use every minute of that”, he said.

He ranked second on the Panthers in tackles and interceptions and third in sacks this season and already had six tackles in just 1 ¹/₂ quarters when he exited.

Davis is one of the toughest players in the National Football League, overcoming three torn ACLs to the same knee to become an All-Pro this season.

Davis said coming back this quick is not a selfish attempt so he doesn’t miss his first and perhaps only chance to play in the Super Bowl.

Davis hurt his right arm with 7:28 left in the second quarter when he hit Darren Fells with his right shoulder as Fells jumped into him after a catch. He said immediately afterward that he would be ready for the Super Bowl.

The Panthers’ linebacker has yet to get on the practice field since the injury and Blackmon did say that Davis said they are still working on a few things to protect his arm.

Davis said the surgery to fix his broken right forearm included the installation of 11 or 12 screws and a metal plate. “I can guarantee you that”. I ain’t missing the Super Bowl, you better believe that’.

Safety Roman Harper also left the game with an eye injury.

“I don’t put it past Thomas playing”, defensive tackle Kawann Short said.

Rivera jokingly punned that he is not “doubting Thomas” earlier in the week when asked if Davis would play.

Davis has played his entire career with the Panthers, and was given the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2015 for his charity work.