Travelle Wharton's time as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals is over, and it didn't last long.
Wharton signed a three-year, $9.78 million contract with the Bengals prior to the start of the 2012 season -- after spending the previous eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where he started 99 games at guard and tackle.
Sadly, Wharton never was able to get on the field with the Bengals, as he suffered a horrific knee injury on the third play of the team's 2012 preseason opener. The injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season. Clint Boling, a fourth-round draft pick in 2011, started all 16 games in his place.
Wharton was likely to start training camp on the Bengals physically unable to perform list, which explains the move.
The Bengals probably will fill the hole left by Wharton with Boling and fifth-round draft pick Tanner Hawkinson, who had a strong showing at rookie camp.
For Wharton, the next stop is the free-agent market.