Ravens' linebacker Courtney Upshaw is overweight for the second consecutive offseason, although this year it is personal issues that have kept him from ensuring his weight was in check, according to the Baltimore Sun. Upshaw said he has had some issues to deal with, which has meant more time away from the Ravens' training complex and his weight has ballooned as a result.
Ravens LB Courtney Upshaw battles weight problems in 2nd season
Personal issues have kept Courtney Upshaw away from the Ravens facility and his weight has ballooned as a result.
Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE
For more on Upshaw and the Ravens visit: Baltimore Beatdown
“I’ve got to drop a couple pounds and get ready for the season,” Upshaw said at Lardarius Webb’s annual charity softball game. “My offseason has been kind of hectic. I had a personal issue where I had to handle that. Right now, I’m trying to get back into football shape.
“I was back and forth between Alabama and Baltimore, just real personal issues that I had to handle. Just trying to drop a couple pounds and get ready for the season.”
Upshaw is listed at 272 pounds, but says he is closer to 285 pounds right now. He played last season under 270 pounds, but getting to that number was a problem for him.
As a rookie last season, Upshaw failed his first conditioning test in training camp and had a delayed start to his season, but once he did pass the test, the former second round pick shined. Upshaw started nine games, made 55 tackles and recovered two fumbles, improving as the season went on and his conditioning improved.
Upshaw is going to have a challenge for his outside linebacker spot this season with Elvis Dumervil in the fold after signing a $35 million contract. The first challenge to earning significant playing time and improving on his rookie season will apparently be an old challenge though -- keeping his weight in check.
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