CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin was deactivated for today's NFC divisional playoff game against Carolina due to a strained left hamstring.

Boldin tested his leg on the field before the game, but was deemed unfit to play, a blow for the pass-happy Cardinals. Second-year receiver Steve Breaston got the start in his place opposite Larry Fitzgerald, and Jerheme Urban was expected to see more playing time in Arizona's multiple receiver sets.

Boldin was injured on his 71-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter of Arizona's win over Atlanta last week. He did not practice until taking part in the Cardinals' light workout Friday.

Boldin caught 89 passes for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns in the regular season despite missing four games with injuries. Arizona was 3-1 without Boldin.

Tight end Pen Patrick (knee) also did not dress for the Cardinals, while tight end Leonard Pope (knee) and defensive end Travis LaBoy (ankle) were on the active roster

Carolina got three starting linemen back from regular-season injuries, with defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis and right offensive tackle Jeff Otah all active.

Right guard Geoff Hangartner was also active after being limited in practice with a left ankle injury. He had been splitting time with Jeremy Bridges at the position since Keydrick Vincent's season was ended by a groin injury last month. Bridges got the start.

Kemoeatu left in the second half of Carolina's win over Denver on Dec. 14 and missed the next two games, leaving Carolina without its top run-stuffer. That helped the New York Giants rush for 301 yards in an overtime victory that prevented the Panthers from securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Lewis injured his shoulder in the second half against the Giants on Dec. 21 and missed the regular-season finale at New Orleans.

Kemoeatu, Lewis and Otah practiced all week. Otah left the New Orleans win with a toe injury.

Carolina receiver D.J. Hackett was a healthy scratch for Carolina, with Dwayne Jarrett the Panthers' No. 3 receiver.