Bryant McKinnie is not as concerned about his weight as some are.
Since Day 1 of training camp, McKinnie’s weight has been a topic of conversation. Coach John Harbaugh was not happy that McKinnie reported above his target weight of 346 pounds. So Harbaugh did not allow McKinnie to practice for one day. The next day, McKinnie was weakened from doing cardiovascular work and could not finish practice.
Now that McKinnie is practicing consistently, he appears on track to be the starting left tackle. He disputes the notion that he has to weigh 346 pounds or less to be effective.
“I haven’t been there (346) since 2002 but I’m getting close,” McKinnie said following Sunday’s practice at Navy. “It’s just something we agreed on so it’s something to try to get to. It’s not going to affect my play.
“I don’t know why this weight thing is following me back every year. I reported overweight one year. And now it’s a constant thing. The thing about is when people see me they feel I lost or gained weight. It’s not an issue. I’m not like I’m a big, huge guy. I’m not fat or sloppy. People will see me and they’re like, ‘Oh, you lost a lot of weight.’ Actually, I didn’t. It’s just every time I’m overweight, whether it’s five or 10 pounds, people assume it’s [more].”
Asked if the bigger issue was whether he was playing well, McKinnie said, “Haven’t I been doing that?”
The offensive line hit its stride last season after McKinnie became the starting left tackle before the playoffs. McKinnie may never be the lightest left tackle in the NFL, but he still believes he can be one of the best.
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