REPORT: Baltimore Ravens Discipline Rookie After He Showed Up to Practice Drunk

Baltimore, MD — As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for a pivotal Week 5 clash with the Houston Texans, the team has been rocked by an internal controversy: rookie offensive tackle Gerad Lichtenhan has been disciplined after arriving to practice intoxicated. The incident comes at a time when the Ravens are already reeling from a wave of injuries to key starters, leaving head coach John Harbaugh furious.

The Ravens, sitting at 1–3, are battling personnel issues with LT Ronnie Stanley (hip), RG Daniel Faalele (shoulder), and CB Marlon Humphrey (ankle) all sidelined ahead of Sunday’s game at NRG Stadium. Harbaugh had planned a lighter week of training to protect his depleted roster, emphasizing that “every player must be at their best to face the Texans.” But Lichtenhan—an undrafted free agent (UDFA) out of Oregon State who signed a three-year, $2.8 million deal in May—derailed the team’s focus.

According to ESPN and Baltimore Beatdown, Lichtenhan, 23, standing 6’8” and weighing 330 lbs, attended a local party on Tuesday night, just days after the team’s heartbreaking 31–28 loss to the Buffalo Bills. At Wednesday morning’s session at the Under Armour Performance Center, he reportedly showed up smelling of alcohol, stumbling, and unable to complete basic drills. Assistant coaches quickly pulled him off the field, leading to an emergency meeting with team leadership.

Harbaugh, known for his discipline-first philosophy and emphasis on accountability, showed no leniency. “We cannot allow any behavior that undermines this team, especially right now,” he said during a short press conference, without naming Lichtenhan directly. Sources confirmed the rookie has been suspended from practice for at least five days and ordered to undergo mandatory counseling on responsibility and professionalism. A repeat offense could see him cut from the practice squad, where he has been fighting for a backup role on an already injury-thin offensive line.

Lichtenhan, who posted a 90% pass block win rate in 12 games at Oregon State last season, had been touted as a “surprise factor” thanks to his size and upside as a pass protector. But this latest misstep recalls previous Ravens scandals, such as Matt Elam’s team-rule violation back in 2015. With the offensive line in disarray and the Texans boasting DE Will Anderson Jr. (4.5 sacks), the rookie’s lapse has been described internally as “the last straw” for team morale.

The Ravens declined to provide further details, only reiterating their commitment to “developing young players in the right direction.” With the Texans looming and a grueling schedule ahead, Harbaugh hopes the incident serves as a turning point not only for Lichtenhan but for the entire roster.

The Ravens will face Houston this Sunday. Whether Lichtenhan gets a chance at redemption remains to be seen.