Thomas Davis expected to start in Super Bowl 50

Thomas Davis is expected to start for the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

The Carolina Panthers suffered a huge injury loss in the NFC Championship game when linebacker Thomas Davis suffered a broken forearm. Davis was adamant that he would play in Super Bowl 50 despite the injury and even got screws and a plate in place to ensure that he could play. If there was any doubt remaining about Davis’s health, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera answered them.

"“Yes, yes I do (expect Davis to start) based on everything I’m seeing from him right now and what the doctors have talked about,” said Rivera, via NFL.com. “They talk about him every day and we go over everything he’s done and what they’re seeing. That’s been a huge plus. He actually took a shot in the arm yesterday and said ‘I’m fine. That felt pretty good.'”"

Getting Davis back is huge for the Panthers. He is the heart and soul of their defense. The linebacker plays a significant role in what they do and is a huge part of their stout run defense. Even if he can’t play as effectively as he could with a non-broken arm, Davis’s mere presence on the field should give the Panthers a huge lift.

Carolina is trying to win the first Super Bowl in its history. The Panthers have a history of getting close, including a Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots back in 2003. Carolina also reached the NFC Championship Game in both 1996 and 2005, falling to the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, respectively.

This year, Carolina is anchored by a great defense and the NFL’s likely MVP in Cam Newton, who accounted for 73 percent of his team’s offensive yardage and 45 touchdowns.