CLEVELAND – Could the Patriots be getting a couple of key pieces back?

To be determined.

We reported on Tuesday that there wasn’t much optimism surrounding Harold Landry III when it comes to being ready for Week 1. Following the ugly 37-13 preseason finale loss to the Browns on Thursday, head coach Mike Vrabel was asked if the veteran pass rusher or core special teamer Brendan Schooler could be activated off PUP with cut down decisions looming.

“I think we’ll just continue to see…when we get back, those guys stayed back,” said Vrabel. “Brendan Schooler and Harold both stayed back and they have to be able to pass certain things, because once you take them off, that’s kind of what it is.

“So, we just want to be very careful and smart with them and not force them into anything. But, on the same note, if they can do – and relatively perform where we expect them to and where they expect themselves to – that could be a possibility that we could be able to bring those guys off.”

While it certainly wasn’t a yes or no by any means, there’s still quite a bit of uncertainty surrounding both guys with the season opener just 13 days away.

The roster must be trimmed to 53 by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.