Matt Lauer to Sub for Bob Costas for a Second Night in Sochi

Matt Lauer will spend a second night leading NBC's prime-time coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympics, as Bob Costas continues to battle an eye infection that caused him to miss the Games broadcast for the first time since 1998.

"It's just not possible to be in the studio," Costas told Lauer in a call to NBC's "Today" show this morning.  You're coming out of the bullpen again tonight."

Costas said while he isn't feeling "that bad," the blurred vision and other symptoms of his infection will keep him sidelined for another day.

"I've done lots of ball games and events feel much less than my best, but in this case it's just involuntary," Costas said. "My eyes are so blurry and watery and so light-sensitive that even in dim light they're tearing up."

Both hosts have made light of Costas' malady, which forced the longtime host to wear glasses as the Games began late last week.

Lauer, who started filling in for Costas Tuesday, said at the opening of last night's broadcast that Costas "looked a little like a loser in a prize fight." He joked that while he was happy to fill the anchor chair, he "might Purell it before I sit in it."

Costas, who earlier said he "might as well be playing 'Marco Polo" with his lack of visibility, joked in a statement that he hopes his time on the disabled list is short because "the last thing I want is to go through the rest of my life owing Matt Lauer a bunch of favors."

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