Trey Lance is making a homecoming this week in Minnesota.

The 49ers are in town to play the Vikings for a preseason matchup Saturday and the two squads went head-to-head Wednesday in the first of two joint practices. The Vikings have helped out Lance by coordinating some buses for his high school team to make the three-hour trek from Marshall, Minnesota, to the team’s training facilities on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Lance delivered a big highlight in 7-on-7 drills, as he connected with Danny Gray on a long touchdown pass to beat All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson.

Trey Lance goes deep to — who else? — Danny Gray during 7-on-7 drills. They beat Patrick Peterson on the play. pic.twitter.com/axnv0THDF7

In last Friday’s preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, Lance and the speedy rookie wideout Danny Gray teamed up for a thrilling 76-yard touchdown. Once again, Gray simply outran his man down the sideline and Lance lofted him a dime.

“Some ups and downs,” Lance said of his performance Wednesday. “Excited to watch (the film) for sure. Again, just good to go against another defense. One-on-one, 7-on-7, red zone, everything against another team. … It’s fun to practice against. They give a lot of good looks.”

Lance also reportedly connected with Deebo Samuel on a 30-yard pass in full team drills, coming on a 4th-and-10. Lance said he’s always felt like he’s had good chemistry with Samuel despite some notable misses in camp this year.

“Deebo showed up today,” Lance said. “I felt like we were always hot, but he’s done a great job these last few days. The more reps we get together, the more stuff we get to watch together, the better we’ll be.”

Lance told local reporters he’s relishing the opportunity to be a starting quarterback at the age of 22.

“That was always the dream,” Lance said. “It happened fast but I’m excited to be here. Kinda obviously settled in. Getting into the rhythm of this year. .. I was excited to (return to Minnesota) for sure, to see family, see friends. But it’s work at this point. These two days of work should be awesome for us and Saturday as well.”

The 49ers don’t plan on playing Lance in Saturday’s contest, citing the quick turnaround before the final preseason matchup on Aug. 25 against the Houston Texans. Lance’s all-important reps are coming in Wednesday and Thursday’s practices.

We won’t know Lance’s true mettle until the lights are on Week 1 and he’s facing a first-string defense and a full defensive scheme, but 49ers fans have to be encouraged by Lance’s big-play ability so far in camp, something that was sorely lacking the previous years under Jimmy Garoppolo.

Brad Graham of the SF Niners media outlet also shared some more video from Wednesday’s session in Minnesota.

49ers Nick Bosa popped Vikings RB Alexander Mattison pic.twitter.com/GN6yGChqSs

49ers George Odom picks off Vikings Kirk Cousins in team period pic.twitter.com/EkdZJRRJXO

49ers Javon Kinlaw just ATE this Vikings OLineman pic.twitter.com/FJU6K8C6rv

I don’t think Trey Lance needs to worry about Kyle Juszczyk coming for his job 😅#49ers || #FTTB pic.twitter.com/CSQvaZUZ69