Alex Smith: 'Being benched against the St Louis Rams sucks'

Alex Smith has said that "it sucks" to be replaced in the San Francisco 49ers' starting lineup.

The NFL pass completion percentage leader has recovered from a concussion that forced him to miss a game, but coach Jim Harbaugh has been impressed by backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Smith told Comcast SportsNet: "I mean, it sucks. I don't know what else to say."

He also spoke to the Associated Press, adding: "It stings the most just because I really felt there was something special going on here, and you sacrifice and invest so much time.

"I have no idea what's going to happen from here. All I can do now is just prepare and get ready."

The 49ers face the St Louis Rams this Sunday.