CHARLOTTE — The Panthers on Wednesday filled their 80th roster spot by signing linebacker James Onwualu.

The four-year veteran initially signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame. He appeared in nine games for Los Angeles in 2017 as a special teams contributor. Onwualu then appeared in five games for San Francisco in 2018, again playing only special teams.

While Onwualu spent the 2019 offseason with the Jaguars, he missed the entire season with a knee injury. Jacksonville did not re-sign him in 2020.

Onwualu had a tryout with the Panthers on Monday. He’ll have just a few days to make an impression, as rosters must be reduced to 53 players by Saturday at 4 p.m.

The Panthers’ 80th roster spot became available earlier this week when they traded linebacker Andre Smith to Buffalo.