CHARLOTTE – Cornerback Charles Godfrey has been released.
"Making this move was difficult, because Charles has been a large part of what we have done since I came to Carolina four years ago," head coach Ron Rivera said. "He has always tried to do everything we have asked of him and worked extremely hard. He is an outstanding young man, and we wish him the very best."
The seventh-year veteran was playing nickel corner after switching from safety – his position for the first six years of his career – in the offseason. Godfrey started his first game of the season last week at Green Bay in place of starting nickel back Bene Benwikere, who was inactive with an ankle injury.
Carolina drafted Godfrey in the third round of the 2008 draft from Iowa. He played in 82 games with 75 starts, recording 372 tackles, 11 interceptions and 33 passes defensed. He played in just two games in 2013 before tearing his right Achilles tendon.
Guard Chris Scott, who was signed to the practice squad last week, was promoted to the active roster.
Scott spent the 2013 season with the Panthers and played in 10 games with eight starts. He was released in the final roster cutdown prior to the start of the 2014 season.
Scott provides immediate help for an offensive line that has been hit by injuries. Rookie guard Trai Turner could miss a couple games with a knee and ankle sprain, and guard Amini Silatolu is working his way back from a calf strain.
PRACTICE SQUAD SIGNINGS: Safety Robert Lester has been re-signed to the practice squad. Lester had spent the entire season on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster on October 14. He was waived four days later.
The Panthers also added offensive tackle Martin Wallace to the practice squad. Wallace spent his entire rookie season in 2013 on the Browns active roster. After being inactive for the first 15 games, he made his NFL debut in the season finale.
