Carolina Panthers strong safety Roman Harper returned to practice on Wednesday, according to Panthers reporter Jonathan Jones. Harper left Sunday's NFC Championship game with an eye injury but has continued to say he will be ready for Super Bowl 50.
Harper couldn't see out of his right eye after a collision with Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly while making a tackle in Sunday's win over the Cardinals. "The flap on my cornea shifted, so I couldn't see out of my eye," said Harper, via the Charlotte Observer. "I took some medicine and got it cleared up. I'll be alright. We've got two weeks to get this team ready."
The Panthers veteran strong safety has been a leader on the field for the Carolina's defense this season and has recorded 73 combined tackles and recovered two fumbles during the 2015 regular season. While Harper is getting closer to being ready to play in Super Bowl 50, bigger questions remain around Panthers defensive end Jared Allen and linebacker Thomas Davis.
Davis was at the Carolina's practice on Wednesday but was not able to participate following surgery on his broken right forearm. The veteran linebacker has less than two weeks to prove he can play, but he is adamant that he will play in Super Bowl 50. Veteran defensive end Allen likely feels the same way, as he was disappointed after being ruled out of the NFC Championship game with a broken foot.
"I'm excited for the fact that he's got two weeks to get ready, and prove to me that he's ready to roll, which I believe he will knowing him," said head coach Ron Rivera about Allen, via The Charlotte Observer. "That's just who he is." Despite the injuries, the Panthers have continued to roll this season, posting the best record in the NFL, and the three veterans listed above are eager to make it on the field in Super Bowl 50, as they know this is the pinnacle of their playing careers.
