After coming back from three torn ACLs, having a bone sticking out of his skin isn’t that big a deal for Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera told reporters Monday that Davis suffered a dislocated finger which came through the skin and required stitches afterward.
The impressive part is that Davis didn’t miss a play, playing all 63 defensive snaps.
The 30-year-old linebacker isn’t just back as some medical curiosity, but as one of the top players on one of the league’s top defenses.
The Panthers are also looking for an update on defensive end Charles Johnson, who suffered a sprained MCL when he was leg-whipped last Monday against the Patriots. Rivera said he’d test the knee Wednesday, though they want to make sure they’re patient with their highest-paid player.
“From what I hear he’s been doing really well,” Rivera said. “A lot of it will be how he handles the first day on the field – that’ll be Wednesday. We’ll see Thursday how he is. If he’s really sore, it won’t be as rosy an outlook as I’d hoped. But again, we are going to be smart.”
If they can get Johnson back soon, and keep Davis on the field, they have an excellent chance at the division title with a pair of games with the Saints upcoming.
