In attack, coppers possibly traded knight for rook (6)
I believe the answer is:
charge
'in attack' is the definition.
'charge' can be an answer for 'attack' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'in' bit.
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for charge that I've seen before include "Accuse of a crime" , "Move quickly and violently" , "Entrust (with a task)" , "Lord Cardigan's order to his brigade" , "Formally accuse; rush" .)