The San Francisco 49ers have had to deal with too many injuries on defense this season. The losses of stars Fred Warner and Nick Bosa obviously hurt the most, but one injury may have actually opened the door for a journeyman veteran to steal a rookie’s job.
Cornerback Chase Lucas got the start on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons in place of rookie Upton Stout, who was ruled out ahead of the game with an ankle injury.
The rookie has looked solid at times this season, but opposing teams have also targeted him because of his youth and inexperience.