Getting Ready For Super Bowl Feb. 7

BY ESPN Staff

Thirty teams have finished their seasons, and there's only one game remaining: Super Bowl 50. David Newton and Jeff Legwold look ahead to what Thursday has in store for the Panthers and Broncos.
Carolina Panthers

Storyline to watch: The Panthers will do as they did the Friday of the bye week to open the playoffs -- practice in pads. Coach Ron Rivera doesn't want the team to have a two-week break in contact drills. When Rivera finds a schedule that works he likes to stick with it.

Injuries to monitor: Because everyone will be in pads, don't look for running back Jonathan Stewart, fullback Mike Tolbert or Thomas Davis to practice for the third straight day. Davis said Thursday that he "fully expects" to be ready for Super Bowl 50. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short was listed as limited in Thursday's practice, but Rivera insisted it isn't something that will be an issue.

Stat of the day: Turnovers typically are huge in Super Bowls. The Panthers were plus-20 in giveaway-takeaway ratio during the regular season. The Broncos were only plus-four. Carolina scored 148 points off turnovers to 78 for Denver. -- David Newton
Denver Broncos

Storyline to watch: Quarterback Peyton Manning will not be restricted, or limited, in any way as the Broncos prepare for Super Bowl 50. Manning missed seven starts with a left foot injury -- his foot was immobilized in a cast in November -- but since his return to the lineup in the third quarter of the regular-season finale, Manning has shown the time off did him plenty of good. Manning has practiced fully since his return, and after wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots in the playoffs, Manning was still a full-go when the team returned to the practice field for the first time since Sunday's win in the AFC Championship Game.

Injuries to monitor: Safety T.J. Ward (left ankle) and safety Darian Stewart (right knee) were held out of Thursday's practice. Coach Gary Kubiak said both would likely be held out of practice this week and that he still expected both to be available to play in the Super Bowl.

Stat of the day: The Broncos need wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to find his game-breaking rhythm again. In his past three playoff games, including the team's two wins this month, Thomas has five, four and two catches to go with one touchdown in those three games combined. -- Jeff Legwold

Sunday, January 31 (Time Central)

Rice vs. Irvin, 7 p.m.

Aloha Stadium, Honolulu    

PRO BOWL

Sunday, February 7 Schedule (Time Central)

5:30 p.m., CBS, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara    

SUPER BOWL 50