Thomas Davis Injury Update: Panthers LB Will Play vs. Broncos in Super Bowl 50

Carolina Panthers star linebacker Thomas Davis is officially going to play in Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos. 

The Panthers' Twitter account provided the update on the defender's status for the postseason finale when he was not listed among the team's inactive players. 

Davis suffered a broken arm during the second quarter of the Panthers' dominant 49-15 thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game two weeks ago. His availability for the Super Bowl immediately became a major story, given his importance to the NFL's sixth-ranked defense.

The 32-year-old linebacker finished the regular season with 105 combined tackles, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions and four forced fumbles. He added 11 more tackles in the two postseason games Carolina won to punch its ticket to the Super Bowl.

Stephania Bell of ESPN.com noted Davis' efforts to play were bolstered by a bit of good fortune. The injury didn't require an immobilizing cast by the wrist or elbow, since he broke just one bone in his forearm, which at least gave him an opportunity to return in time.

Of course, the veteran defender made it clear he planned on doing everything in his power to make an impact in the Super Bowl, per Robert Mays of The MMQB.

"C'mon," Davis said. "You know me, right? You know me? Then I'm not missing the Super Bowl. You better believe that."

He lived up to that prediction. He should fill his usual high-impact role alongside Luke Kuechly and Shaq Thompson at the linebacker level, barring any setbacks leading up to or during the game.

Davis, Kuechly and Thompson are likely a major part of the Panthers' plan to stop the Broncos passing attack. Peyton Manning's decreased arm strength has forced Denver to use a lot of underneath throws since his return. Look for the Carolina linebackers to seek out chances to jump those routes.

When healthy, Davis is one of the most well-rounded defenders in the league. He probably won't be at full strength for the Super Bowl, but having him on the field is still a positive sign for Carolina.