Washington offensive lineman Dexter Charles retires

Published Aug. 17, 2015 1:54 p.m. ET

foxsports

SEATTLE (AP) Washington offensive lineman Dexter Charles has retired due to a lingering knee injury, a significant blow to an already thin offensive line.

Washington made the announcement on Monday. Charles was a fifth-year senior and was expected to be the Huskies' starting left guard heading into the season.

Charles had started 30 games over the past three seasons - most of them at left guard - and was the only full-time starter on the offensive line returning from last season. Charles sat out spring practice with an undisclosed injury and has battled shoulder problems throughout his Washington career.

Washington coach Chris Petersen says the team is disappointed the injury won't allow Charles to play his senior season. Petersen says Charles has expressed interest in the coaching profession.