PITTSBURGH - For the first time in franchise history, the Carolina Panthers rested all their offensive and defensive starters in the final exhibition.

Though coach John Fox can be a tried-and-true traditionalist at times, he got radical Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers -- and it made a lot of sense.

Why risk an injury to any of your best players in a game that means nothing?

Starters usually play only a series or two in the fourth exhibition anyway.

"It was something we didn't decide until we were in warm-ups," Fox said of the decision to rest the starters.

Asked if the players approved, Fox said: "It wasn't like they were jumping for joy or anything, but I think they respected the decision."

Despite Fox's caution, the Panthers still had an injury scare. Backup quarterback Matt Moore's left leg was hurt on a sack late in the third quarter and he was taken to the locker room for examination.

Fox said X-rays showed no broken bones, but that there would be more tests today. Moore said doctors believe he has a deep bruise in the area of his shin and upper ankle.

The Steelers, who won 19-16 on a late field goal by former UNC kicker Jeff Reed, kept their starters in for only the first two series.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't throw a pass, but led Pittsburgh on a 77-yard touchdown drive before exiting.

Fox used the game as a night to gain valuable information before making final roster cuts Saturday.

Among the players who had the most at stake:

Newly acquired receiver Samie Parker got a long look as a kickoff and punt returner, a void the Panthers need to fill for about a week or two until Ryne Robinson returns from a knee injury.

Parker wasn't very impressive, averaging 19.2 yards on five kickoff returns. He gained 6 yards on three punt returns.

The Panthers might try to add a returner after final cuts are made around the league on Saturday.

Running back LaBrandon Toefield, signed as a free agent in the offseason, got a chance to win a roster spot but managed only 18 yards on 13 carries.

Toefield is a six-year veteran being challenged for a roster spot by Decori Birmingham (38 yards on nine carries).

Moore hardly dazzled before his injury on a night when he wanted to build momentum heading to the regular season.

He fumbled a snap to cause a 10-yard loss, was intercepted twice and had at least two other poorly thrown passes. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 164 yards and led the Panthers to two field goals in the first half.

Third-team quarterback Brett Basanez made a case for being kept on the roster even if Moore isn't seriously injured. He rallied the Panthers from a 16-6 deficit by leading them to 10 points in the fourth quarter.

He completed 6 of 11 passes for 106 yards, including a near-perfect 29-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hannon with 1 minute, 54 seconds left in the game.

Receiver Dwayne Jarrett continued to take advantage of extended playing time, catching six passes for 56 yards in the first half.

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