Lions Waiving Chase Lucas

The Lions move on from a former seventh-round draft pick.

The Detroit Lions are waiving defensive back Chase Lucas, according to multiple reports. 

Lucas was a 2022 seventh-round pick out of Arizona State. He spent his rookie season in a development role with the Lions while battling injury. 

He appeared in six total games as a rookie, and recorded two tackles. 

Lucas played just six defensive snaps in 2022, per Pro Football Focus, while also contributing on special teams. 

Despite the limited production, he had strengthened his case to make the roster this season with a solid preseason showing. 

Against Carolina in the preseason finale, he recorded a diving interception in the end zone, and was talked about in a positive manner by the coaching staff. 

In total, he recorded a 67.6 cumulative defensive grade for his performance in the preseason slate.

"I saw my opportunity, and I just took it," Lucas expressed, via the team website, following Detroit's victory against the Panthers. "I've been doing my thing this whole camp. Doing everything the coaches say, and to the best of my ability. I feel like today was just the cherry on top of the sundae."

Several Lions defensive backs had strong training camp performances, most notably undrafted rookies Starling Thomas V and Steven Gilmore. 

A Marshall product, Gilmore made plenty of noise with two interceptions. Among those was a pick-six against the Panthers. 

Thomas, meanwhile, caught the coaching staff's eye with his ability on special teams early in camp. Should he clear waivers, Lucas would be eligible to return to Detroit's practice squad. 

In college, the Arizona State product recorded 223 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, and six interceptions. 

With the roster move, the Lions are one step closer to finalizing their 53-man roster. The deadline to do so is 4 p.m. Tuesday.