Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera is happy with how linebacker Thomas Davis and defensive end Jared Allen are looking in practice. Both are key players recovering from injuries.
Davis broke a forearm during the NFC Championship game 10 days ago. He underwent surgery the next day, when doctors inserted a five-inch plate and 11 screws in his arm.
He was back at practice Monday, and Rivera says "he looked really good."
"One of the concerns is what would happen if he had to deliver a blow. He seemed to weather that really nicely," Rivera said Tuesday.
Davis is expected to play in the Super Bowl with a protective brace.
Rivera also indicated that he expects Allen to play Sunday. Allen broke a foot bone near the end of the Panthers’ playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Rivera held him out of the NFC Championship game the following week.
“I think having the extra week off was huge," Rivera said. 'I like the path he’s on, the hard work he’s put in, the tempo he’s practice with.”
Tuesday was a day off for players, although some were watching game film and getting treatment. Players have a midnight curfew throughout the week. Rivera says that curfew was set by team leaders.
