WATCH: Anthony Richardson slings deep touchdown pass to Justin Shorter versus Eastern Washington

The Florida Gators came out firing versus Eastern Washington after going down 3-0 on the Eagles’ first drive, which ended in a field goal. Anthony Richardson launched a 75-yard touchdown pass to wideout Justin Shorter on the Gators’ first offensive play of the game.

Rolling out to his right with time to spare, Richardson locked in on Shorter streaking down the field with several feet on his defender and no one else but the back judge in his way to the endzone.

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ANTHONY RICHARDSON TO JUSTIN SHORTER pic.twitter.com/akk6WaK4HG

— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthewCFB) October 2, 2022

The Eastern Washington Eagles turned the next series over on downs after nine plays. Richardson once again attacked with aggression on the next drive. He led the Gators down the field on a four-play drive, finishing with a touchdown scamper by Montrell Johnson. After two drives, Richardson is 2-for-2 with 102 yards and a touchdown. He also has 45 rushing yards.

Napier confirms safety Trey Dean is out for Game 5

Billy Napier announced that safety Trey Dean will not play in Saturday’s game versus Eastern Washington due to injury.

“No he’s injured, Trey is injured and won’t be available for the game this week,” Napier said.

Dean is out with an unspecified lower-body injury, and the severity of the injury is unclear, as Dean did not leave the Gator’s previous matchup against Tennessee at any moment.

Florida is hoping that Dean’s injury is not severe, as he is one of the most experienced players on the Gators defense as well as one of their vocal leaders. Through four games Dean leads the Gators in tackles with 36 on the season, along with 2.5 tackles for loss and half a sack from his safety spot.

According to Pro Football Focus, Dean has been on the field more than any other player on Florida’s team so far this season taking 94.4% of their defensive snaps. Hopefully, they can take care of business without him this weekend, as they’re currently 29-point favorites, and get him back soon for the bulk of their SEC schedule.

Napier was asked if Kamari Wilson or Donovan McMillon could be seen in Dean’s safety spot for the Gators this weekend against the Eagles.

“Yeah I think we have those guys bracketed at that position so you can anticipate seeing both players,” Napier said.

On3’s Kaiden Smith contributed to this report.