Colin Kaepernick has been confirmed as the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback for this weekend's game against the St Louis Rams.

Kaepernick replaced regular starter Alex Smith when he sustained a concussion three weeks ago, and has kept the starting place since.

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said: "We have two quarterbacks we feel great about. Both have earned it. Both deserve it. What tips the scale, Colin has the hot hand, and we're going with Colin."

Responding through the Associated Press, Kaepernick said: "I don't know if it's a hot hand. Whatever you want to call it. I'm just happy I get to go back out there.

"It's a great chance to lead this team and show we're a great team and we can go into the playoffs."

Smith had been having one of the strongest seasons of his career before the injury, while Kaepernick has led the franchise to victories over the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints in his first two starts for San Francisco.

The 49ers currently have the second best record in the NFC conference, behind the Atlanta Falcons.