Panthers’ Thomas Davis has surgery, should be able to fulfill Super Bowl vow

All-Pro Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis vowed to do everything in his power to be able to play in the Super Bowl, despite breaking his right arm during Sunday's NFC Championship game.

And he seems to be doing just that, with an Instagram post by his wife, Kelly Davis, showing her husband dressed for surgery early Monday morning.

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A photo posted by Kelly Davis (@mrs.td58) on Jan 25, 2016 at 3:51am PST

Panthers Coach Ron Rivera confirmed later Monday that Davis had surgery on his right arm and that it's “my understanding is if everything goes well it is something he can mostly certainly play with — so we are excited about that possibility.�

Thomas was injured trying to tackle Arizona's Darren Fells during the second quarter of the Panthers' 49-15 win over the Cardinals on Sunday. He left the game with six tackles, including two for a loss, and didn't return.

He wore a sling on the sideline later in the game but wasn't wearing it afterward in the locker room.

"I ain't missing the Super Bowl," Davis said after the game. "You better believe that. ... The early prognosis is it's broken. We'll get it figured out, and I'll be ready in two weeks."

He added: "I believe in our training staff, I believe in our doctors and I believe in the process, so I know that if it's at all possible, they're gonna get me back. And I know I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that I'm ready to go."

Davis is second on the team with 75 solo tackles and 105 total tackles, and he leads the Panthers with four forced fumbles.

Thomas Davis: "I'm not going to miss the Super Bowl for the world." pic.twitter.com/KZZ9Z72TmB

— Jeff Zell (@Jeff_Zell) January 25, 2016

A first-round pick in 2005, Davis has overcome three torn ACLs and other injuries during his career.

"I don't put it past Thomas," defensive tackle Kawann Short said of Davis being able to play in the Super Bowl. "Three ACLs. Broken fingers. It hasn't stopped him yet. You will have to take his jerseys away from him — all five of them, even the ones at home. — before he sits out this game."

"I believe in me," Davis said. "This is something that if it comes down to a pain tolerance and playing through it, I will be there. I guarantee to you."

UPDATE

10:50 a.m.: Updates with confirmation and quote from Rivera.

This post was originally published at 7:57 a.m.