Kelcy Quarles

Defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles spent training camp with the Giants.

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

EAST RUTHERFORD -- Defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles doesn't appear headed back to the Giants, even after being waived by the New England Patriots on Wednesday.

Neither does former Giants running Andre Brown, who may not be playing anywhere for a while.

Quarles is headed to the Patriots practice squad, a person with knowledge of the situation told NJ.com. Quarles cleared waivers earlier Thursday.

Brown, currently a free agent, was suspended by the league for eight games after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, according to reports.

Quarles, a priority free agent, was signed by the Giants after not being selected in the draft. The South Carolina product spent the entire spring and summer with the team, and had a solid training camp and preseason.

But the Giants decided there wasn’t room on their roster at the defensive tackle position. They released Quarles during their final cuts over the weekend and instead elected to carry veteran Markus Kuhn and third-round pick Jay Bromley as the last of five defensive ends on their roster.

The Patriots claimed Quarles on Sunday. He was on their active roster for three days before being waived.

When Quarles cleared waivers Thursday, he became a free agent. He was eligible to sign anywhere, including back with the Giants.

The Giants added defensive tackle Dominique Hamilton on Wednesday as the 10th and final player on their practice squad.

Brown, 27, missed the first half of last season with a broken leg, but returned and played eight games. He rushed for 492 yards and three touchdowns.

But the Giants let Brown walk as a free agent this offseason. He signed with the Texans, but was mysteriously released several weeks back. The impending suspension may have factored into his release.

Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@nj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.