Randy Moss has said that Colin Kaepernick has impressed him since taking over as starting quarterback at the San Francisco 49ers.

The veteran wide receiver joined the 49ers in the off-season after coming out of retirement.

The 35-year-old told the San Francisco Chronicle: "I think his ability to be able to come off the bench and lead a team, I think that's most important because, no disrespect to Alex [Smith], I think most backup quarterbacks as young as he is are waiting in the shadows just kind of like Aaron Rodgers was with Brett Favre.

"I'm not comparing Alex and Brett, or Aaron Rodgers and Kap, but I think most second-year quarterbacks are just waiting in the shadow and just waiting to get their shot.

"I think Kap's been able to come in and just lead us as a whole unit. Anytime a guy can come in and lead like that, and I don't mean verbally, but leading by example, is what we us as football players look for in a player. Especially in a quarterback."

Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith as starting quarterback after Smith sustained a concussion, and Kaerpernick impressed in his absence.

Moss has previously played with Tom Brady at the New England Patriots and Brett Favre at the Minnesota Vikings, as well as having stints at the Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans.