Rivera: LB Davis has surgery, expected to play in Super Bowl

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Panthers coach Ron Rivera says All-Pro linebacker Thomas Davis had surgery Monday morning on his broken right forearm, but is expected to play in the Super Bowl.

Rivera says 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.''

Rivera says the 11-year NFL veteran may need to wear a brace on his arm similar to the one New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski wears.

Rivera broke his arm in the second quarter of Carolina's 49-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday in the NFC championship. Davis said after the game he fully expected to play in the Feb. 7 Super Bowl because, ''I believe in me.''

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