Thomas Davis: Carolina Panthers' LB gets suspension cut to one game

Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis had his two-game suspension reduced to one game after an appeal, the NFL announced Tuesday.

Appeals officer James Thrash, a former NFL wide receiver, heard Davis' appeal.

Davis will not play Sunday in Carolina's home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he can return to the active roster on Dec. 26. The Panthers conclude the regular season at Atlanta on Dec. 31.

Davis was suspended for his blindside hit Sunday that resulted in a concussion for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams.

The 34-year-old Panther apologized to Adams over social media for the hit that followed an interception during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Davis was penalized but remained in the game, which Carolina won 31-24.

Adams was left with a concussion and couldn't talk with reporters following the contest because players in concussion protocol are barred from speaking to the media until they have been cleared.

That didn't prevent Adams from speaking out on Twitter, however.

"I'll never understand it," Adams wrote. "Game is already dangerous enough and we got Pro Bowl players out here head hunting and saying they "didn't mean to harm me"

"Somebody please explain to me what I wasnt trying to hurt him means when we nowhere near the play and u lead with ya head and ear hole a defenseless player...."

"Look it's football but no room for (expletive) like that. We supposed to be in this together n look out for one another not mess with a mans livelihood and hand out unnecessary concussions. We all got mouths to feed what if I did that to him and his kids can't eat ..."

"Not the type to rant but when u go through this (expletive) twice in a year it takes a lil toll on u so excuse me."

Adams' words prompted an apology from Davis over social media.

"I understand your frustration and I do apologize for the hit!" Davis wrote. "In no way was I trying to hurt you. My first instinct was turn and make a block. In all sincerity I do apologize. I truly respect you as a player and I made a mistake!"

The concussion sustained by Adams was his second of the season and the third of his NFL career.