The International Player Pathway alum saw 17 defensive snaps in August’s finale.

A defensive tackle who faced the New England Patriots in the August finale will join them ahead of the January finale.

The organization signed Haggai Chisom Ndubuisi off the practice squad of the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, according to the transaction wire.

Ndubuisi, 24, originally entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program. The 6-foot-6, 298-pound native of Lagos, Nigeria, began his professional career as an offensive tackle with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022 and converted to defensive tackle while with the Denver Broncos in 2023. After spending the latter campaign on the practice squad and not being retained on a futures contract, he stepped into the UFL ranks with the San Antonio Brahmas last February.

Signed by the Commanders in the spring, Ndubuisi went on to play 17 defensive snaps against the Patriots to close out the 2024 preseason, logging a quarterback pressure along the way. He then joined the practice squad at its formation following the league’s 53-man roster deadline. That spot on the scout team was held until his departure on Wednesday.

Head coach Jerod Mayo’s 3-13 Patriots entered the final week of the regular season with two openings on the active roster after recently waiving veteran outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue.

The AFC East champion Buffalo Bills visit Gillette Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.