Colin Cole has said that he is working as hard as he can to prepare for the start of the 2013 NFL season with the Carolina Panthers.

The defensive tackle has not played in the NFL since featuring for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2010 campaign.

The 33-year-old told the Panthers' website: "It's going good. I'm continuing to work, improve and knock the rust off. I'm just going to continue to max out my reps every chance I get and work as hard as I can to help this team.

Head coach Ron Rivera added: "I'm pretty excited about him. He's got an opportunity to come back, and he's a big, stout physical guy that you have a place for, but we'll really see as we start playing games."

Cole was released from his contract with the Seahawks after sustaining an ankle injury.