The reason why most NFL teams decide to rest their players is simple; players cannot get hurt when they are on the sidelines.  They worry that their "star" players might get twisted knees, turf toes, concussions, or any of the myriad of unfortunately common NFL injuries.  Its the same reason most teams do not play those same players during most of the pre-season.  Seems like a simple enough approach, but lost in that explanation is the other primary benefit of resting your starters.  Their backups get real-time game experience.  Any player has the same chance of getting hurt during the playoffs as he does during any other game of the season.  If your top quarterback goes down early in game one of the playoffs, the more reps his backup has not just in practice but against live opponents the better off your team will be.  The only time to give those second-string quarterbacks, third-string running backs, fifth receivers, etc that experience without jeopardizing your playoff position is to play them while resting your starters at the end of the regular season.  Your team will be better prepared if the unthinkable happens during the most crucial game of the year.

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Gerhart will have his degree in management science and engineering prior to the next college season.  Although some students will stay on campus and enroll in a graduate program to complete their athletic eligibility, very few of them have NFL potential.  Unless he plans to complete a master's program he would essentially be taking garbage classes and wasting his time just to fulfill the NCAA 'Amateur' status.  The college atmosphere might be fun and games, but he would still have to go to class and make some effort or risk NCAA sanctions.  If he truly did want to pursue higher education, there will be plenty of time for that after his body is no longer in peak condition.

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