On Monday, a day after the Carolina Panthers won the NFC Championship, my wife asked:

"Thomas Davis isn't going to try to play just a couple weeks after breaking his arm, right?"

I shrugged and said:

"It's not really a question of trying. I don't think anyone thinks he won't."

"That can't be normal," she replied.

"Well, it's not. He's not. And neither is the Super Bowl."

So it wasn't a surprise Wednesday when Davis took his usual cart ride to practice. The linebacker didn't go through drills and went back inside after about 30 minutes, but that he was even out there said plenty.

"I think the young guys see veteran guys committed to trying to be out there and be part of this. I think that they learn and realize how important it is," coach Ron Rivera said.

Davis, who had a plate placed in his arm Monday during surgery, was not wearing a cast when he walked through the locker room Wednesday afternoon. He'll have to use a splint or soft cast when he returns, an eventuality that isn't really a question of if.

"I think it's a matter of when. Again, I'm not doubting Thomas," Rivera said before taking a couple seconds to realize where he just went.

"You like that play on words?"

Yup, well done.

One thing Davis won't do is practice this week. That return will have to wait until the Panthers get to Santa Clara. And, yes, 'wait' is all relative in this situation.

"I think he's one of those young men that if at all possible, he's playing. So to me, it really is when he gets back on the practice field," Rivera said.

"From the time I first met Thomas to now, he's been the same guy, that steady rock, the heart and soul of who we are as a football team. It's reflected in his attitude and his willingness to everything he can to get on the practice field and prepare to play on Sunday Bowl Sunday.

"I know Thomas, and if he says he's going to do it, I believe he will."