Ninety minutes before their season opener in Denver, the Panthers had to declare seven players inactive per NFL rules. The decisions involved weren't easy, with everyone but safety Dean Marlowe healthy enough to play. Running back Cameron Artis-Payne and wide receivers Brenton Bersin and Damiere Byrd – all of whom demonstrated their ability to contribute throughout the preseason – were among those declared inactive.
So why are teams allowed to have just 46 of their 53 players active for games? In short, it's a move aimed at maintaining competitive balance.