53 roster but 46 players activated on game day?

My guess is that it's a rule geared towards leveling the playing field. Say all 53 players are healthy on Team A, but only 46 are healthy on Team B. This rule still allows for even # of active players per team, instead of a 53 vs 46 active player roster.

In a case like that, Team B could potentially the non-factor injured players and sub their spot for a healthy player to total to 53. So a rule likes this provides additional security to them.

Yeah it's a dumb rule that limits the bubble players from showcasing themselves. It was created so each team has the same amount healthy. 46 vs 46... Where if they didn't have 7 inactive one team might have 50 of 53, the other 47 of 53 healthy. I think they should move it down to like 3-5 inactive or get rid of it altogether. It makes it so guys barely holding on can't get a chance int he game and with this team the way we use our players we would have used some of the 7 inactive at times last year.

I disagree that the rule is "dumb"

It was originally made to emphasize fairness. The league knows players get hurt during the course of a season. So they created the rule to expand the roster giving everyone extra players to step in and fill the place of injured players over the course of a season.

To make it fair for teams that might have more injuries than other teams and prevent a competitive disadvantage they put a limit on how many players can be active.

Originally posted by Tigerlaw:
I disagree that the rule is "dumb"

It was originally made to emphasize fairness. The league knows players get hurt during the course of a season. So they created the rule to expand the roster giving everyone extra players to step in and fill the place of injured players over the course of a season.

To make it fair for teams that might have more injuries than other teams and prevent a competitive disadvantage they put a limit on how many players can be active.

Well I guess I should reword what I said. It has some merit to it but I'd rather them move it from 7 inactive to like 5, maybe 4. I doubt teams go into games with 7 players out of the game too often.