Photo: Joe Nicholson, USA Today Sports

Offseason weight changes -- Good thing or cause for concern?

We hear it every offseason. This year has been no different.

Marcus Mariota has added between five and ten pounds to be "able to absorb the hits" and "be healthy for a full year."

I'm asked the question on our live Audible podcast every offseason -- "What do you make of X player gaining/losing weight?"

On the surface, improvement in body weight makes sense. Physics would suggest adding weight should help smaller players absorb the pounding they take from bigger players over a six-month stretch of traumatic collisions. Adding mass should also keep a smaller player from being routinely overmatched by a larger player. Similarly, a skill position player could gain quickness from losing weight.

But it's not that simple. Bulk must be added with an understanding of where the weight is distributed. Care must be taken to avoid overloading joints or compromising flexibility.

NFL players and strength coaches understand this. Mariota acknowledged as much to reporters noting, "There isn't a specific number. It's really coming down to when I get out here, do I feel like I can move? Do I feel good with the weight? And if that is, just kind of continue to see how heavy I can get where I feel good and the happy medium is met."

Still, it's no surprise to see NFL talent struggle with the transition to the new weight. Adding weight too quickly and without regard to core strength, symmetry, and flexibility can lead to soft tissue injury. And there's no reason to think adding weight will prevent the biomechanical stress that leads to nerve injuries around the elbow, as Mariota dealt with last year. Putting on five to ten pounds of good body weight certainly won't improve Tennessee's offensive line play.

Good weight versus bad weight aside, my approach and answer to the question is a practical one.

Although most college players have access to NFL-caliber weight rooms and training programs, there's still room for young and physically maturing NFL players to naturally gain weight after they enter the league. You don't hear about those players. When we read an offseason story about weight gain or loss, it's invariably because a player is actively looking to make a change. It's to address a deficiency in preparation or ability.

It means a player is worried he cannot succeed at his current weight.

And that's the real issue. Sometimes a player's improved weight loss and conditioning have a dramatic and desired effect. Le'Veon Bell's improvement in lateral agility after losing weight is a clear example. More often than not, gaining or losing weight doesn't make up for the slight, but critical, differences in athletic ability a player truly needs to acquire to succeed in future years. There may be a placebo effect in play -- a player with improved conditioning likely has improved confidence, etc. -- but adding or dropping 5-15 pounds doesn't turn a player into a bionic, injury-resistant athlete.

So take these offseason stories with a grain of salt. It's reassuring to read a player is working hard to improve in the offseason. But heavier does not mean more durable. Lighter does not mean more agile. And neither guarantees health.

News and Notes - Michel, Gronkowski, and more

***Though he's been present, Sony Michel has yet to participate in offseason workouts. Trusted beat writer Mike Reiss speculates Michel is "likely being held back for health / medical reasons." There's been much consternation about the health of Todd Gurley's knee this offseason and whether a likely degenerative condition will limit Gurley's workload this season. Though the Patriots were comfortable enough with Michel's medical status to use a first-round pick on him in 2018, Michel required a procedure to relieve fluid in his knee joint as training camp began last year and are already choosing to limit his offseason workouts.

There's a good argument that proactive attempts to prevent issues that would require further maintenance and treatment are good practice. But this is an undeniable concern for a second-year player with a known knee condition. There are no reports of offseason procedures and Reiss doesn't feel Michel's absence is a big deal. However, Michel should have your attention in late July. If he's not able to pass his pre-camp physical and starts on the PUP list, it's obviously a major red flag.

***Cam Newton is cleared to throw during individual drills during Carolina's June minicamp this week. It's yet another positive step in his recovery from a January clean-up procedure.

***Philadelphia signed Carson Wentz to a contract extension last week. As postulated last month in the quarterback review, the commitment means the Eagles are satisfied with Wentz's recovery from serious knee and back injuries.

***The offseason rumor mill brought speculation that Rob Gronkowski would un-retire at some point this season. I've no opinion on whether Gronkowski will return to the Patriots. However, his health remains a significant issue. Love of the game will not change the multiple levels of degenerative disc disease in his lower back. It will not assist Gronkowski's conditioning (difficult to maintain core strength and flexibility no matter how dedicated his efforts may be) or recovery (also extremely difficult once inflammation recurs). If Gronkowski returns and the Patriots use him as a situational assassin, there may be some sustainable production. If he returns to his previous role as a dual blocking and receiving threat over 50-60 snaps, I can't see him remaining healthy and productive for long.

details on Todd Gurley, Carson Wentz, Travis kelce and more...

All offensive skill positions are now combined into a single feature and table below. If you missed the last month of position-specific articles, you missed a close examination of Todd Gurley's knee condition, which is more straightforward than the Rams would have us believe, deep dives on Cam Newton and Carson Wentz, and details on the post-season surgeries and recoveries on Travis Kelce and Jack Doyle.

You can find all those discussions -- updated through early June -- and more here:

Quarterback Update
Running Back Update
Wide Receiver Update
Tight End Update

Check back for more injury analysis throughout training camp and follow on Twitter @JeneBramel for breaking injury news, commentary, and analysis of injury news around the NFL