Much has been made of Andre Villas-Boas' rotation policy this season, which has seen the likes of Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres in and out of the side.
However, Terry maintains all of the squad want to achieve the same goal - and would have a problem if any player was happy sitting on the bench.
"Unfortunately when people do not play, you get that people write 'this player is unhappy with the manager', which I don't think is the case - they are unhappy they are not playing," Terry told talkSPORT.
"For me, whether you are young or old, you want to play every single week, regardless of the competition. That desire is what I want to see.
"If there are some players in our squad who are unhappy that they are not playing, I would rather that than players prepared to tick along, collect their wages and not care if they are in the side or not.
"For me, it is a good thing to have, a passion and belief they should be playing."
Terry added: "People have been making a big thing of certain players not playing, but we have seen that the likes of Frank is still one of our best players and also in the world, not only with his goalscoring but with the balls he puts through.
"Even though players are getting older, they still have a big role to play in this football club."
Chelsea head to Norwich for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off looking to put some pressure on the sides above them, who all play on Sunday.
The Blues are currently six points behind third-placed Tottenham, and 11 off top spot.
However, with the leading teams all going head to head on Sunday, Terry believes Chelsea can take advantage.
"It is a really big weekend for all the top sides," the England captain said.
"Spurs go to Manchester City, while Manchester United go to Arsenal, so maybe it is a chance for us to close the gap on the teams above us.
"However, Norwich gave us a good game at the Bridge, so on their pitch with their fans, it will be really tough.
"We have to make sure we are up for it."
Terry insists all is not yet lost for Chelsea, who along with fifth-placed Arsenal are also still in the Champions League.
"I won't ever give up. I am sure my team-mates and the management are the same," he continued.
"We realise it's going to be tough at the same time, but we have still got to go away to Manchester City, and we have got Manchester United to come to us as well.
"We have got a couple of games where we fancy we can close the gap.
"So until that day is there where the points make it impossible to catch one of the teams above us, then that is the only time we will give up."
Chelsea on Monday finally completed the signing of Gary Cahill from Bolton, and the England defender could go straight into the squad for the trip to Norwich.
The Blues continue to be linked with a big-money move for Lille's Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard, while QPR maintain interest in signing wantaway defender Alex.
Chelsea have confirmed France Under-21 international Gael Kakuta has joined Dijon on loan for the rest of the season.
The 20-year-old had a spell at Bolton earlier this season and will look to gain more first-team experience in Ligue 1.
Elsewhere, Chelsea Pitch Owners are set to hold their annual general meeting on Friday, which follows a failed attempt by the west London club to buy back the freehold of Stamford Bridge.
