FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Brice Schwab isn’t finished yet.

The 23-year-old offensive tackle and Moniteau graduate, released by the New England Patriots late last month, remains on the team’s injured reserve list with a torn MCL.

The injury occurred three days after the Pats’ third preseason game. Schwab had played three quarters of New England’s second preseason game, a 25-21 win over Tampa Bay on Aug. 16. He saw two quarters of action in the preseason opener, a 31-22 triumph over Philadelphia.

“I feel like they were taking a long look at me, but you never know what they’re thinking,” the 6-foot-7, 302-pound Schwab said. “That’s the toughest thing about this business.

“The linemen on their 53-man roster were pretty much set. I was playing for a spot on the practice squad and was the only tackle left in that regard.”

Those hopes ended when a teammate was engaged in a block alongside Schwab in practice and both players rolled up on to his leg.

Schwab said he may be sidelined up to three or four months. It is the first serious injury he’s incurred as a football player.

“They flew me in to Pittsburgh (Monday) to get a second opinion from the Steelers doctors as to whether I’ll need surgery to reattach the ligament,” Schwab said.

Once Schwab’s knee heals, the Patriots will have the option of adding him to the practice squad or releasing him outright.

“Technically, I’m still their property right now,” Schwab said.

Even if he is eventually cut loose, Schwab is confident he can catch on elsewhere.

“I didn’t allow one quarterback sack or pressure when I was in those preseason games and my run blocking was pretty good,” he said. “When you play in those games, you’re pretty much auditioning for the entire league.

“It was fun at first, being in a pro camp with guys you’ve watched on TV. I was a bit awe-struck, but you quickly realize you’re fighting for a job, trying to extend your career.”

Upon graduating from Moniteau, Schwab played for Palomar Community College in California in 2009. He transferred to Arizona State and started 17 of his 22 games played there.

He was signed by Tampa Bay as a non-drafted free agent April 29 and was released by the Bucs on July 31. He signed with the Patriots on Aug. 2.

“Coach (Bill) Belichick gave me a private workout after my pro day at Arizona State,” Schwab said. “One thing I’ve learned from this whole experience is the need to be a versatile player. If I get to the point where I can contribute at guard as well as tackle, I’ll increase my chances. That’s what I’ll work on next.”