CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Panthers announced they've released longtime defensive back Charles Godfrey and signed guard Chris Scott.

Godfrey joined the Panthers as a third-round draft pick in 2008 and played in 82 games with 75 starts.

Godfrey, 28, had worked his way back from a torn Achilles tendon in 2013, playing in seven games with one start this season. However, Carolina's secondary has struggled, allowing 15 touchdown passes.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in a release Tuesday it was a difficult decision because "Charles has been a large part of what we have done since I came to Carolina four years ago. He has always tried to do everything we have asked of him and worked extremely hard."

Scott started eight games for Carolina in 2013 before being released in August.

The Panthers also announced Tuesday they have signed safety Robert Lester and tackle Martin Wallace to the practice squad. They will take the spots vacated by Scott and Adarius Glanton, who are now on the 53-man roster.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Wallace played in one game with the Browns as an undrafted rookie. He was waived Cleveland in August in the team's final roster cuts.

Lester played with the Panthers last season before being released in August. This is his second stint on the team's practice squad this year.

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