If we weren't supposed to get too concerned about Ashton Jeanty's less-than-inspiring professional debut in the Raiders' exhibition opener last week, we're not supposed to get too excited over what he did Saturday against the 49ers, right?
After all, it's still just the preseason.
Except…
Jeanty bouncing back, literally and figuratively, after taking a shot to his right shoulder hard enough to send him to the medical tent to deliver a highlight-reel truck stick of his own a series later did send shivers down the collective back of Raider Nation.
And for good reason.
He also scored his first NFL preseason touchdown, a leg-churning 1-yard plunge off the right side six snaps after he turned poor 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir into a cautionary tale early in the Raiders' last-second 22-19 defeat.
Poor Lenoir.
"He definitely hit me pretty hard, but I didn't go down," Jeanty said of the blow and accompanying stinger - the first Jeanty said he's ever received in his career - administered by Niners linebacker Tatum Bethune after hauling in a pass from Geno Smith for a two-yard pickup.
"It definitely was kind of like a little wake-up [call]. And now I've got to give it back to y'all."
Give it back he did.
On the Raiders' ensuing offensive series, Jeanty took the handoff from Smith and blew through a hole between center Jordan Meredith and right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson. Seven yards down the field, Lenoir tried to square up Jeanty.
Poor Lenoir.
Jeanty kept truckin' and had a 13-yard pickup and his "Welcome to the NFL" circle moment was complete.
And all in front of Hall of Fame running backs Marcus Allen and Eric Dickerson, both of whom were taking in the game as part of the Raiders Alumni Weekend.
Remember, it was Allen who told me Jeanty had "the power of Emmitt, the balance of Barry" after the Raiders used the No. 6 overall draft pick on him in April. And if you're talking running backs, you know Allen was talking about fellow Hall of Famers Smith and Sanders, respectively.
"The way he hits the line of scrimmage, he gives you a feel," Raiders coach Pete Carroll said of Jeanty. "And I was really fired up about that. Everybody was on the sidelines, as well with him getting his first touchdown. That helps us all."
The Raiders quarterback, meanwhile, was simply impressed with how his running back responded to the hit.
"He's super tough, you know? Ashton is a tough, tough runner, and I think the best thing Ashton does is he's not shying away from contact," Geno Smith said. "You know, sometimes you get got - I don't think he got got today - I think he took a hit, bounced right back up and, you know, delivered the blow on the next one. That's the type of runner he is; that's the guy we saw in college.
"But to see it up close and personal, man, it's hard for those guys to tackle him. He's just got to keep being himself and everything will be fine."
As Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said recently, the 5-foot-8, 208-pound Jeanty may be short, but he's not small.
And Jeanty's stick-and-gallop on Lenoir also caught the attention of the Raiders defense.
"Ashton is a top 10 pick for a reason, so getting to see him get a little more breathing room in the backfield was awesome," defensive end Maxx Crosby said. "He definitely runs the ball with an emphasis, for sure. It was a hell of a run, and you just see him every day show up and get better. I love what that kid's doing.
"The way he runs the ball, he's so compact and strong and twitchy in the hole. That's why he had so much success with Boise State, so we're really excited about him and we're looking forward to him being a big part of what we're doing."
Jeanty, who had -1 yard on three carries in one series last week in Seattle, finished with a game-high 33 yards on seven attempts in a pair of possessions against the Niners.
In fact, Jeanty felt right at home at Allegiant Stadium. Twice in college he played here for Boise State, against UNLV, and rushed for a combined 281 yards and two TDs on 54 carries in those games.
But that was on the Rebels' artificial turf field, some four feet below the Raiders' sliding grass tray.
Playing on the Raiders' natural surface felt like, well, the NFL. Even as his mentality of setting "the tone early in a game" remained the same.
"You know, it takes time as a rookie to kind of gain that confidence [of], 'I'm here, I've arrived,'" Jeanty said. "It's time to keep going and make plays for this team."
Sounds like a plan to get excited about, preseason or not.
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a 41-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) and wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Terrell Edmunds (48) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and cornerback DarienPorter (26) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) intercepts a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with teammates after rushing for a 1-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and safety Terrell Edmunds (48) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Qadir Ismail (84) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Atonio Mafi (56) and guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Qadir Ismail (84) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Matt Jones (42) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
A view of Allegiant Stadium during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Carter Runyon (46) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (28) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) celebrates with Head Coach Pete Carroll after kicking a 54-yard field goal during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tommy Mellott (19) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Ovie Oghoufo (90) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety JT Woods (40) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) and defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Laki Tasi (79) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (86) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (35) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Cam Miller (5) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Collin Johnson (17) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Sam Webb (27) and defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Trey Taylor (37) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Andre Carter II (99) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Michael Barrett (43) and defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
