Thomas Davis (arm), Roman Harper (eye) say they’ll play in Super Bowl

“My understanding is if everything goes well, it is most certainly something he’ll be able to play with”, Rivera said of Davis, a team captain.

If there is one thing Carolina Panthers loyalists remember about All Pro linebacker Thomas Davis, it’s the fact that he does not really get intimidated by injuries. Nah, I’d rather dance!

Now the Panthers are heading to the Super Bowl only for the second time in its history, Davis once again will need to face adversity after suffering a broken arm in their NFC championship game.

“Because I believe in me”, Davis replied. “If it is at all possible I know they are going to get me back and I will do my part to make sure I’m ready”. But not him; Davis vowed that he will be playing come February. “I can guarantee that”, he said. Having Davis at practice has given the Panthers a little extra motivation as they install their game plan before leaving Sunday for Santa Clara, Calif.

The Bills announced Monday that quarterback Tyrod Taylor and center Eric Wood are replacing Newton and Kalil. He fought through three ACL tears in as many years, the most recent coming in 2011, and over the past two seasons he’s been named the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year and an All-Pro for the first time in his 10-year career. It hasn’t stopped him before.

If it’s the former and not the latter, it would fit with what Davis himself has been saying ever since he found out that his arm was broken. “I think they will have to take all of his jerseys away – all five of them, and even the ones at home”.

Safety Roman Harper was poked in the eye in the first half, but he also promised to be ready for the Super Bowl. “Obviously, I wanted to be out there, but he must have had a crystal ball; he knew something I didn’t”, Allen said with a smile.

Enjoy the moment, maintain focus: Newton said Panthers defensive line coach Eric Washington gave a passionate speech before the NFC championship game.