How Chase Lucas Has Flipped The Script With Strong Preseason 49ers Roster Case

How Chase Lucas has flipped the script with strong preseason 49ers roster case originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

LAS VEGAS — The 49ers’ 22-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders is only a preseason victory, but for Chase Lucas, being on the field for San Francisco is everything.

The defensive back recorded two tackles on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium — one for a loss, one quarterback hit, one pass breakup, a quarterback sack and an interception — making a case that he belongs on the 49ers’ 53-man roster.

Following the third-quarter interception, which Lucas described as a perfect pass from Raiders backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell, the defensive back went running down the length of the field behind the bench. After the game, Lucas revealed he was looking for 49ers left tackle Trent Williams.

“The first thing I told Trent [was], ‘As soon as I catch the ball, I’m going to be looking for you,’ ” Lucas said. “I couldn’t find the big ‘Silverback’ anywhere, so I just took off down the sideline. I want everyone to see that I was telling them this was my field tonight. When I ran down that field, I made sure everyone saw it and heard it.”

The Detroit Lions selected Lucas in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he appeared in 18 games over his two seasons there, mostly on special teams. Lucas, who spent last season on the 49ers’ practice squad, has yet to suit up for a regular-season game since arriving in the Bay, which has been an emotional challenge.

“There were days when I didn’t even want to get up because I wasn’t getting the recognition that I wanted, but that’s just soft mentality,” Lucas said. “I kind of had to flip the script and I feel like this year, it’s a different story.” 

Lucas leaned on both Williams and Deommodore Lenoir during his time on the practice squad, which is why looking for the left tackle after the interception was a goal.

“I was just thankful,” Lucas said. “I gave the ball to Trent. He’s a big homie to me. He’s a Hall of Famer, he’s a great dude for us. I’m with him all the time and I get as much knowledge as I can from him, and when I make a play, I want to share that love with him.”

Injuries in the secondary to both Renardo Green and rookie Upton Stout have given Lucas a chance to prove he can be a player in the league. Lined up primarily in the slot, the 28-year old is ready for whatever the defensive call requires — coverage, blitz or stopping the run. The defensive back simply wants to be suited up and on the field, not just watching the game. 

“I was tired of being on the sideline,” Lucas said. “I was tired of being in stuff like this [indicating his track suit] when my homies are out there at war. I told myself, ‘Whatever needs to happen, whatever I need to do.’ I trained my body like crazy in the offseason and I made sure people are going to know my name this year.” 

Working out wasn’t the only element of Lucas’ transformation. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks gave him homework. Lucas watched more than 135 cutups at least 10 times each, helping him put together a second consecutive standout performance against the Raiders.

In the 49ers’ preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, Lucas led the defense with eight tackles — five solo — and one pass breakup.

“It could be better,” Lucas said of his progress. “I think dropped a pick last week. I got one this week and I got a sack, so I feel like we are pushing in the right direction. Like Coach Saleh said, I’m trying to get better every day, no matter what it is. As long as I get better, the plays are going to keep coming.”

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