NBC Replacing Overworked Matt Lauer With Meredith Vieira On Olympics Coverage

NBC is calling in its third-stringer for 2014 Winter Olympics coverage.

The network has announced that Meredith Vieira is replacing the overworked Matt Lauer for Friday night’s Sochi Olympics coverage. Lauer has taken care of anchor duties because Bob Costas has been on the mend with a double eye infection.

Lauer’s schedule has been packed since he replaced Costas. He’s been on TV for a little less than 10 hours a day between hosting the “TODAY” show and covering the Olympics.

“I’m dragging a little today. I didn’t sleep at all since yesterday morning,” Lauer told TODAY.com on Friday. “Meredith’s fantastic. She’ll be great, she really will, and I know she’s going to have a blast. It’s fun!”

Vieira will be the first woman to anchor Olympics coverage solo. NBC said Costas’ eyes are improving, but he’s not quite ready to return to the set.

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