If you were to go back to the start of training camp, you'd likely look at veteran cornerback Chase Lucas' chances to make the San Francisco 49ers' regular-season 53-man roster as relatively slim.
Sure, the Niners had plenty of questions within their secondary, including whether or not third-round rookie Upton Stout could make an immediate impact, and those potential issues boosted Lucas' prospects for hanging around beyond the preseason.
But, that preseason...
Granted, Lucas has been given every opportunity to showcase his value during the three-game exhibition period. To his credit, the former Detroit Lion who came over to the Bay Area in 2024 but didn't see any action that season has taken every advantage possible.
In Week 1 of the preseason, he notched a pass breakup. But, in preseason Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Lucas was easily the biggest X-factor, recording both a sack and a clutch interception late, one he apparently predicted would happen (just ask left tackle Trent Williams):
Worked for it. Manifested it. Made it reality.
Chase Lucas joined @brianajeannel for the @lexus postgame interview. pic.twitter.com/t5J0ZYpB4x
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 17, 2025
Then, in the exhibition finale against the Los Angeles Chargers, Lucas deployed almost exclusively to the boundary, perhaps giving the Niners additional information whether or not his versatility could help them decide on other roster needs, wrapping up the game with two more tackles in the process.
Putting it bluntly, Lucas not only sealed a deserved roster spot, but he also put himself atop the conversation to start when the regular season commences.
49ers have no other choice but to start Chase Lucas after dominant preseason
Known almost exclusively for his work on special teams prior to 2025, Lucas has yet to start a game at the pro level, but San Francisco might not have any other choice but to hand him that nickel duty to open up the regular-season campaign.
And it's not a bad thing.
Sure, Stout is very much in the mix to do so, especially after an impressive camp of his own. But injuries have kept the rookie third-rounder out of exhibition contests, and all signs have pointed to the veteran leapfrogging the first-year pro on the depth chart, at least for now.
Plus, Lucas' playmaking prowess thus far is an X-factor that can't be ignored by defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who preached such opportunities early during his first tenure with the 49ers back in 2017 and 2018 when the defense was in the grow phase.
As such, fans are likely going to be treated to a starting trio of defensive backs -- Lenoir, Lucas and second-year pro Renardo Green -- once the regular season commences on Sept. 7.
Judging by how Lucas has performed thus far, it'll be an enticing combination, one fans probably didn't expect until the preseason rolled out.
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