The Facts: With his legal troubles having cast doubt on his playing future, Rice has been committed to what he can control: losing weight and getting back to full strength after a hip injury derailed him last season. Rice is attending the start of the Ravens' offseason conditioning program and has impressed team staff. "He looks great," strength and conditioning coach Bob Rogucki told reporters Tuesday.
Diehards Line:
Rice suffered a hip flexor injury in Week 2, and the injury led to the Pro Bowl running back putting on some weight. According to HC John Harbaugh, Rice weighed as much as 217 pounds last season. The team would like Rice to play at about 207 pounds. "He's doing some things differently as far as his diet and so forth, and he told me has a handle on it," Rogucki said. "Whatever he did from the end of the season until now, he's in a good position right now." Rice rushed for 660 yards last season, his lowest output since becoming the Ravens' featured back in 2009. He had only one run over 20 yards. Fantasy football owners should be encouraged by Rice's commitment to conditioning, but there are no guarantees he regains past form. In addition, Rice was indicted by a grand jury last month on third-degree aggravated assault for allegedly striking his now-wife unconscious on Feb. 15. His arraignment is set for May 1 in New Jersey. Even if he is cleared of all charges or receives probation, he could still face disciplinary action from the league under its personal conduct policy.