With the 2025 preseason slate wrapping up next weekend, the pressure is on for so many players (fringe vets and rookies) to do what they can to win a job on the 53-man roster or practice squad.
The Detroit Lions still have a few positions on the 53-man roster up for grabs, including the QB2 battle between Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker. However, after Saturday’s game, it appears that the veteran might have the upper hand in the competition.
At the same time, several former Lions players are looking to earn a spot on their new teams’ 53-man roster at the end of this month. One ex-Lions draft pick has performed well with this NFC squad this summer and added an interception to his preseason resume, which could help his cause.
Chase Lucas, former seventh-round pick of the #Lions, has been flashing in camp and the preseason for the #49ers. pic.twitter.com/HBf2WAhy3k
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 16, 2025
Ex-Lions DB Chase Lucas Shines with San Francisco 49ers in Preseason
After spending the first two years of his NFL career in Detroit, former seventh-round pick Chase Lucas signed with the San Francisco 49ers last offseason. Lucas spent the entire summer with the 49ers, but didn’t make the team out of camp.
However, the ex-Lion was signed to the practice squad immediately and given a futures deal at the end of the 2024 season. On Saturday, Lucas gave San Francisco’s defensive coaching staff something to think about as he picked off Aidan O’Connell in the third quarter.
Lucas did a good job staying attached to the wide receiver and making a play on the ball. Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reported that the former Lions defender has flashed in training camp and preseason for San Francisco.
In addition to the interception, Lucas racked up two total tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, a pass deflection, and a quarterback hit. According to PFF, Lucas had an 86.7 coverage grade and a 20.8 passer rating when targeted, which is outstanding.
Chase Lucas in coverage against the Raiders:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) August 17, 2025
• 32 coverage snaps
• 4 targets
• 16 yards allowed
• 1 interception
• 1 pbu
• 0 touchdowns
• 86.7 coverage grade
• 20.8 passer rating when targeted 🤯
Add in Chase’s sack and for the second consecutive week he has balled out… pic.twitter.com/ksu8y4bZ2v
The 28-year-old defensive back is listed as the 49ers’ third-string nickelback behind Tre Brown and rookie Upton Stout. He likely won’t take those two guys' spots, but his performance might force the 49ers to cut someone else at another position.
Furthermore, what also works in Lucas’s favor is that he has experience playing special teams, which he did in his two years with the Lions. With one more game left in the preseason, it will be interesting to see if the ex-Lion can finish the job and make the 49ers’ 53-man roster.