UPDATE: Head coach John Harbaugh spoke out Thursday about Upshaw’s weigh concerns.
“My first thought is that he is playing pretty well,” Harbaugh said. “That’s my first thought. He understands the defense exceptionally well. He’s working really hard, [but] Courtney’s weight issue – which he does need to lose some pounds – is that he doesn’t eat right.
“Courtney eats too much, and he doesn’t eat all the right foods. He knows that’s something that he’s going to have to get a handle on or he’s not going to be the best he can be. He’s aware of it. We have everybody in our building involved in it. He’ll be in fighting shape. I promise you that.”
——————————–
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw is noticeably heavier heading into his sophomore season in the NFL at nearly fifteen pounds heavier than he was a year ago.
Upshaw’s reason for the weight gain? Personal issues.
“I’ve got to drop a couple pounds and get ready for the season,” Upshaw told the media Sunday. “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 was a second round draft pick out of Alabama by the Ravens last year. With the amount of injuries Baltimore suffered defensively, Upshaw was able to start nine games and recorded 55 tackles on the season.
With the unexpected signing of Denver Broncos castoff Elvis Dumervil, Upshaw may now have to compete for playing time again. And in a head-to-head position battle, quickness and agility will be something Upshaw’s recent weight gain may hinder.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
