There’s a 5-9 bundle of emotion waiting to explode Sunday in Baltimore, so it would benefit the Panthers if they can get their emotional leader ready for the trip.Linebacker Thomas Davis, who wasn’t expected to practice until Friday at the earliest, made a surprise return Thursday. He was limited, but his chances for playing against the Ravens and his good friend Steve Smith, seem to have improved.”Definitely a good sign, a positive sign,” Davis said. “But at the end of the day it’s all about being out there on Sunday. That’s what I’m working for.”The Panthers have been strangely mysterious about Davis’s status this week. Usually-transparent head coach Ron Rivera wouldn’t disclose the exact ailment on Monday, and on Wednesday, he said all Davis was dealing with was a sore hip.But after chasing Pittsburgh running back LeGarrette Blount Sunday, Davis grabbed the back of his leg. It looked like an obvious hamstring problem. And it was. Davis confirmed he pulled his hamstring, even though his coach continued to claim it’s not an issue.”That’s not my understanding. That’s what he tells you guys,” Rivera said.Whether Davis has a sore hamstring, hip, or both, the fact is the Panthers could certainly use him Sunday.Sure, he’s close with Smith, but he’s also one of the few Panthers who can somewhat match the wideout’s intensity.”I’m going to do my job,” Davis said, when asked if he would take a (clean) shot at Smith if he gets the chance. “Steve fully understands that. I expect him to do his job when he gets an opportunity at me.”Of course, Davis has to continue to heal fast just to get back on the field. No matter which injury — or injuries — he’s dealing with.”It’s definitely going to be weird lining up against him,” Davis said. “I’m looking forward to trying to get there. That’s my main goal.”

THURSDAY INJURY REPORT

Did not practice: RB Jonathan Stewart (knee), RB Fozzy Whittaker (quad), T Garry Williams (back)Limited: LB Thomas Davis (hip)Full: RB DeAngelo Williams (hamstring), WR Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring), CB Charles Godfrey (ankle), S Roman Harper (knee)