When the Washington Commanders signed veteran offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas in 2020, no one believed he’d still be with the franchise in 2023, having started 28 games.
Yet Lucas, every time a starter goes down, moves into the starting lineup and delivers.
In Sunday’s win over the Atlanta Falcons, Lucas was summoned to replace veteran left tackle Charles Leno Jr. at the moment due to a family tragedy.
How did Lucas perform?
He was outstanding. According to Pro Football Focus, in 29 pass-blocking snaps, Lucas did now allow one pressure. Lucas earned the second-highest pass-blocking grade for Week 6.
Cornelius Lucas vs. the Falcons:
29 pass blocking snaps
0 sacks allowed
0 pressures allowed89.2 pass blocking grade – 2nd in Week 6 đź’Ş pic.twitter.com/FGVRs90oH4
— PFF Commanders (@PFF_Washington) October 17, 2023
When Leno returns to the lineup, Lucas will return to the bench. But should he? No, we aren’t suggesting Lucas replace Leno because he shouldn’t. However, there is a strong argument that Lucas should slide back into the starting lineup, replacing Andrew Wylie. Remember, Wylie can also play guard.
Wylie signed a three-year contract in the offseason. It’s doubtful he goes to the bench, but it’s fair to believe Lucas should be in the starting lineup. Overshadowed in 2020, all Lucas has done is save the Commanders every time they call his number.