Panthers release Jeff Otah

Jeff Otah couldn't pass a physical with the Carolina Panthers after being returned to the team by the Jets. The Panthers announced Thursday afternoon that they had terminated his contract.

After a false start last week, OT Jeff Otah's Panthers career now appears to be over. 

The Panthers released him Thursday afternoon after two days of physicals with the team.

Otah, who has had almost as many stints on injured reserve (3) as games played (4) in recent years, was traded to the New York Jets last week for a draft pick. 

The trade was rescinded, however, when Otah failed a physical with the Jets. He returned to the Panthers on Wednesday and spent two days undergoing another physical and conditioning tests. 

There was little chance that Otah was going to suit up for the Panthers this season, even if he passed his medicals. The team had already moved on, installing Byron Bell in Otah's old RT position. 

The Panthers released DE Jyles Tucker earlier in the week, clearing a temporary spot for Otah. After Otah's release, the team announced that they'd signed DB Nate Ness.  

Ness has played for Seattle, Miami, and St. Louis the last two seasons, appearing in 8 games, twice as many as Otah. 

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow@CBSSportsNFLCAR.