CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Panthers offensive lineman Greg Van Roten saw the light at the end of his football career tunnel, and was ready to move on.

• Greg Van Roten was with the Jaguars for two weeks
• Then he worked out with the Bills
• He is currently on the Panthers' roster

A two-year stint in the Canadian Football League gave him the confidence, and the resume to take another run at the NFL.

"I was with the Jaguars for two weeks, [and] I got released," Van Roten said Wednesday. "Then, I had a workout with the [Buffalo] Bills the day before I had a workout with the Panthers. This truly was my last opportunity."

Van Roten made the Panthers roster out of training camp last season and has been a nice addition because of his ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line. Listed as a guard, Van Roten has the game to play center as well. This week, Tyler Larsen is dealing with a hyper-extended elbow and will likely miss Friday night's preseason game with Miami.

Next man up.

"For me, moving from center to guard, it's helpful to know center," Van Roten said. "You know what the center sees. You know how he sees a defense.  Preparing as a center helps a lot for guard, just because you know what you're gonna see."

What the Panthers hope to see is Van Roten maintain his spot in the offensive line group so they can keep his versatility in uniform and not have him thinking about his life after football.

"I know one day I'll have to hang up my cleats, and do something else in the professional world.  I'm not focused on that right now.  I want to get ready for Miami, and then get ready for the games after that."