The reports of Ray Rice's improved weight are true.
Rice is at the Ravens' voluntary offseason program and has impressed Strength and Conditioning Coach Bob Rogucki.
"He looks great," Rogucki said.
"I've spoken to Ray. He's doing some things differently as far as his diet and so forth, and he told me he has a handle on it. So, he looks good. Whatever he did from the end of the season until now, he's in a good position right now."
Rice entered the league in 2008 weighing 207 pounds. His highest weight last year was 217, according to Head Coach John Harbaugh.
The extra weight was due to bulking up too much last offseason. The weight and hip injury left him less elusive than in previous Pro Bowl years, and Rice ended up rushing for a career-low 3.1 yards per carry.
Rice said after the season that he wanted to focus on getting less bulk, but more speed.
Despite his legal troubles, Rice has been at the Under Armour Performance Center working out, and was present at the voluntary workouts this week.
Osemele's Rehab Going Well
Ravens offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele had back surgery last November and is on track for a smooth return.
Osemele said the recovery would be a three-month process, then he has to build his body back up. He's been at the Under Armour Performance Center rehabbing, and now is able to lift weights.
"He is coming along very well," Rogucki said. "He's on track. He is doing a great job."
Osemele indicated that he injured his back weightlifting last offseason. He said he would change his offseason training methods to lessen the risk of re-injury. There are certain lifts he just won't do, he said in December.
Osemele's return is huge for the Ravens' offensive line, which allowed 48 sacks and ranked last in the league in rushing yards per attempt last season. He is slated to start at either left guard or right tackle.
Brown Bulking Up
Inside linebacker Arthur Brown recently said he wants to add some muscle this offseason, and he's off to a good start.
Brown reportedly weighed about 227 pounds last year and has added about six pounds so far this offseason while working on his own.
"He's around 233 [pounds] I believe right now, so he's a little heavier than he was last year," Rogucki said. "He's done well from the time he was gone until now, so the sky is the limit for him. He's done his part, we've just got to continue on from there."
Brown came into the league with plenty of speed and playmaking potential, but was a little undersized. The first full offseason is generally a big one for young players, in which they finally have the time to focus on remaking their body.
The second-round pick was limited to a nickel linebacker role last year. He played 22 percent of the defensive snaps (211-of-950), and finished with 15 total tackles, one forced fumble and a half sack.
Harbaugh said he expects Brown to win the starting job at Will linebacker this summer, which would put him next to veteran Daryl Smith.
