ORLANDO, Fla. – Wide receiver Rod Streater has shown he is capable of producing big numbers when he remains healthy.
After all, the caught 60 passes and averaged 14.8 yards a reception for the Raiders in 2013 when Terrelle Pryor, Matt McGloin and Matt Flynn were the quarterbacks.
On Sunday, Streater got his first opportunity to show what he can do with the 49ers after Quinton Patton was sidelined with a concussion. Streater caught four passes for 46 yards in the 49ers’ 31-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Streater said he was just waiting for his chance to step up, as he continues to work with Colin Kaepernick in practices to create timing and chemistry.
“It’s been consistent. We work at it practice and work at it, and we connected a couple times in the game,” Streater said of Kaepernick. “He brings a lot of energy and juice to the game. He can do it all. He can run, throw, he’s out there making plays for us.”
Streater’s speed gives the 49ers another deep threat opposite of veteran Torrey Smith, who has mostly been known for his deep routes through his six-year NFL career.
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“I feel like we bring speed to the game,” said Streater, a fifth-year player. “We’re both vets. Torrey had a couple more years in the league than me, but he brings that speed to the game. And I bring whatever I can bring. The physicality, the size, the speed, everything. We try to complement each other and go out and make some plays.”
Smith has not been utilized much since coming to the 49ers last season. Smith ranks sixth on the team with just 20 catches for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Smith has experienced success with the “go” route, including a walk-off touchdown against the Chicago Bears in overtime last year. But he has not seen that pass come his way in a game this season.
“We just haven’t thrown them,” Smith said. “That’s kind of what I do, but it’s not that he hasn’t called them, but for whatever reason, it just hasn’t come my way, yet. I don’t think I’ve had a single one thrown to me.”
Said 49ers coach Chip Kelly, “He’s faced some good corners and they’ve done a good job against him and we haven’t been able to connect with him. That would be nice if we could do that, but we haven’t been able to do that.”
