In the high-stakes world of NFL preseason, Chase Lucas is proving he’s not just another player fighting for a roster spot , he’s a determined athlete ready to make his mark.

Lucas’ journey with the San Francisco 49ers has been anything but straightforward. After being cut from the team last season and landing on the practice squad, he refused to accept being overlooked. His preparation for the recent preseason game against the Raiders was nothing short of meticulous, watching 135 film cutups and studying route combinations until he knew them by heart.

During Saturday’s game, Lucas delivered a performance that demands attention. He intercepted a pass from Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell , a play he had confidently predicted to teammate Trent Williams the night before , and followed it up with a clutch sack during the Raiders’ final drive. His versatility in both coverage and pass rush positioned him as a strong contender for the 53-man roster.

“I was tired of being on the sideline,” Lucas said. “I trained my body like crazy in the offseason. I made sure people were going to know my name this year”.

The game also showcased promising developments for other 49ers players. Rookie linebacker Nick Martin demonstrated significant improvement, leading the team with five tackles and executing a well-timed sack. Quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall displayed growing chemistry, suggesting a potent offensive partnership.

Kicker Jake Moody also impressed, successfully connecting on both a game-tying and game-winning field goal using a new two-stride technique , a risky adjustment that paid off dramatically.

As the regular season approaches, these preseason performances offer tantalizing glimpses into the 49ers’ potential. For players like Chase Lucas, it’s more than just a game , it’s an opportunity to transform their NFL narratives and prove their worth on the field.

With the season opener against Seattle just weeks away, the 49ers are building momentum and showing why they remain a team to watch in the upcoming season.