Patriots retaining safety Obi Melifonwu on the practice squad

The open spot on the New England Patriots’ practice squad will be filled by a familiar face.

Safety Obi Melifonwu has agreed to remain with New England on the scout team after clearing waivers Tuesday afternoon, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald first reported.

The 25-year-old Melifonwu had been the corresponding move to the Patriots signing All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown as the week began.

Originally an Oakland Raiders second-round draft choice in 2017, Melifonwu joined the Patriots’ 53-man roster last November. The Massachusetts native and UConn product saw 20 snaps on defense and 25 snaps on special teams over two games of action by regular season’s end.

Melifonwu, listed at 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds, was among the inactives for New England’s 2019 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an ankle injury that officially ruled him questionable.

He’ll now stay among veteran safeties Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Terrence Brooks and Nate Ebner.

The Patriots entered Tuesday with a practice squad of nine following the release of tight end Stephen Anderson.