For the first time since week two of the 2022-23 season, Trey Lance was back under center for the San Francisco 49ers.
In Sunday’s preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, Lance made his highly-anticipated return to the field for the first time since suffering a season-ending ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks in week two of last season.
With shakey protection from the 49ers’ offensive line paired with a mix of rust, it wasn’t pretty for Lance in the first half against the Raiders. With three sacks coming in his first three drives, Lance ended each of his first three drives with three-and-outs. Lance followed with a touchdown drive in his fourth possession of the game. After looking comfortable for the first time of the day with a drive right down the field, Lance got a bit lucky with a near interception in the endzone.
The North Dakota State product fired a laser for Chris Conely over the middle of the field. Yet, Raiders corner Duke Shelley jumped the pass for what looked like an interception. However, Shelley couldn’t hold on as the wayward pass was deflected into the leaping arms of Ross Dwelley for a touchdown.
In his final drive of the first half, Lance was able to move the ball down the field for a late field goal attempt, but the drive was highlighted by another near interception on a pass over the middle of the field.
Playing only in the first half, Lance finished the 49ers’ preseason opener with 10-of-15 passing for 112 yards and one touchdown. Lance’s passer rating finished at 111.0. He was sacked four times against the Raiders. Lance scrambled for two yards.
Following Lance’s performance against the Raiders, his name was buzzing on social media with reactions. Here’s a look at what fans and analysts were saying about Lance’s performance on Twitter on Sunday afternoon.
This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!