Matt Lauer Filling In for Bob Costas During NBC Olympic Coverage

“Today” host will take over for ailing announcer

Matt Lauer will fill in for Bob Costas during Tuesday night’s Olympic coverage as he recovers from a serious eye infection.

Since Thursday night, Costas has struggled with the eye problem, squinting through thick glasses with his eyes red and puffy.

Also read: Olympics 2014: Bob Costas Eye Infection Gets NBC Coverage Off to Squinty Start

By Monday night, it appeared the infection had spread to the other eye.

Costas called into “Today” on Tuesday morning and spoke with Lauer, who was concerned about the sports anchor and asked if he was alright.

Also read: Sochi Olympics: Stray Dog, Ring Fail Bring Awkward to the Opening Ceremony (Photos)

“Well, even worse than when you saw me this morning, Sochi time. So, reluctantly, I was trying to throw a complete game here, but I think we’re going to have to go to the bullpen,” Costas quipped. “I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not, but you’re Mariano Rivera, at least tonight.”

“So, I’m going to step in for you tonight, the master of Olympic primetime?” Lauer asked.

Also read: From Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ to Sochi – Olympics Choreographer Teases Opening Ceremony

“I believe that’s it,” Costas said. “Let’s hope it’s only tonight because right now I’m walking around and might as well be playing Marco Polo. I have no idea where I am.”

“I can confirm that Matt Lauer will fill in for Bob Costas tonight in NBC’s prime time Olympics coverage,” “Today Show” PR VP Megan Kopf added.

Watch the announcement below:

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