FOXBORO -- With Kevin Faulk and Brandon Deaderick activated from the PUP list for last Sunday's game, all eyes are on defensive lineman Ron Brace, who, according to Patriots coach Bill Belichick on Friday, is "making progress."
"We have some time there," said Belichick when asked if Brace was close to being activated. "I think he's certainly making good progress. We'll see how this week finishes up. But he's getting close."
Brace also spoke prior to Friday's practice at Gillette Stadium. When asked if he'd be activated before Sunday's game against the Giants, Brace said, "You never know."
He seemed unsure as to what Belichick's decision would be.
"I'm just going at it the same each week," said Brace. "If they call my name, I've just got to know it's my job to be ready. So each week, you just come and try to prepare and get ready for each opponent. So if they call my name, I'm going to try and be ready.
"I'm just trying to play catch up with these guys. I feel that each day, I've had some strides towards getting better, so I can say I've been making improvements."
Faulk and Deaderick each came off the PUP list and played in last Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Belichick praised his PUP players on Friday, saying he believes they can all help out the team this season.
New England Patriots
"Deaderick's coming along. For all those guys -- Brandon, Kevin, Marcus Cannon, Ron -- it's kind of like training camp," said Belichick. "They've only had a few practices. So a lot of it is extra work, just getting their timing and their technique and their reactions quicker. Seeing all 22 guys is something they haven't been able to do. It's like training camp for them, this late in the season.
"They're definitely all making progress, and Brandon's done a good job. He's working hard, he's getting a lot of snaps. And you can see it a little bit every day. But still, it's a lot of ground to make up. But he's certainly closing the gap."