Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that guard Rob Sims reported to the Lions’ offseason conditioning program last month 20 pounds heavier than he played last season.
Line coach George Yarno suggested that Sims’ weight gain may have been on purpose.
“I think he wanted to just be a little firmer in the run and the pass,” Yarno said. “He was right at 300 [last year] and I think he wants to be in the 315-320 range to have more mass in order to get movement in the run game and stop the pass rush, the inside pass rush. So he’s firmer.”
The Lions have been pleased with Sims’ on-field performance since acquiring him for a 2010 fifth-round pick. The Seahawks used that selection to draft starting strong safety Kam Chancellor. Months later, Sims received a four-year contract extension.
Yarno did concede that Sims’ physical conditioning isn’t game-day ready.
“He’s got to get in shape,” Yarno said. “There’s a process involved with this thing. We’re not ready to play a game right now.”
