The Carolina Panthers have brought back guard Saahdiq Charles, adding the familiar offensive lineman to their practice squad on Monday.
The move fills the practice-squad opening created when linebacker Maema Njongmeta was promoted to Carolina's active roster ahead of the Panthers' 21-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3. Charles also gives the team additional depth at guard after Damien Lewis dealt with an elbow issue during Sunday's defeat.
The 27-year-old spent part of the 2025 season with Carolina after joining the organization in October. He appeared in two regular-season games, playing 10 snaps, all of them on special teams. The Panthers later signed him to a reserve/future contract in January, allowing him to remain with the team through much of the offseason.
However, Charles was placed on injured reserve during training camp and was released by Carolina with an injury settlement in early August.
Charles entered the NFL after the Washington Commanders selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 draft out of LSU. He spent the final season of his four-year, $4.09 million rookie contract with the Commanders.
In 2024, Charles signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Tennessee Titans with expectations of competing for a starting position. He instead retired before later seeking reinstatement and being released.
Charles subsequently signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, was waived following the preseason and later spent time on their practice squad before joining the Panthers.