Craig Melvin was noticeably absent from his usual seat behind the Today show desk on 

Tuesday, prompting viewers to wonder about his whereabouts. Instead, NBC News Chief White House Correspondent Peter Alexander stepped in to co-host alongside Today mainstay Savannah Guthrie. While Craig is a familiar face on the morning program, his temporary replacement did not go unnoticed by loyal fans of the show.

At the beginning of the broadcast, Savannah addressed her colleague’s absence, offering an 

explanation for why Craig was missing from his hosting duties. She revealed that Craig had tested positive for the flu and was taking time to rest and recover at home. “We’ve got Peter in for Craig,” Savannah began, before adding a lighthearted comment about the coincidental timing of Craig’s illness. She noted that his beloved alma mater, Wofford College, had just secured victory in the Southern Conference Tournament championship the night before.

“I mean, you decide,” Savannah joked. “He did test positive for the flu. However, it coincides with Wofford winning last night, so maybe he stayed up and watched the game.” Her playful remark suggested that Craig’s absence might not just be due to illness, but also to celebrating his team’s success. The moment brought laughter to the studio as the hosts kept the mood light despite their missing co-star.

Later in the broadcast, Peter Alexander provided an update on Craig’s condition, emphasizing that his colleague was indeed feeling unwell. “Craig, our friend, is getting well,” Peter assured viewers. “He’s struggling with a little bit of a bug.” He went on to acknowledge that flu season had been particularly rough this year, though he expressed hope that warmer temperatures on the horizon might help put an end to the seasonal illnesses.

Savannah chimed in, agreeing with Peter’s sentiment. “I think it’s really going around again!” she said, acknowledging the prevalence of the flu and other illnesses at this time of year. The conversation reflected the common struggle many families face during the winter months as sickness spreads easily in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

While Craig was at home recovering, his absence coincided with a special milestone in his family’s life—his son, Delano, celebrated his 11th birthday. Craig’s wife, Lindsay Czarniak, took to Instagram to mark the occasion with a heartfelt tribute to their son. The proud mom and sports anchor shared a touching post filled with love and admiration for Delano.

“Here we are… 11!” Lindsay wrote in the caption. “Eleven amazing years of being this guy’s mom. I can’t explain how proud I am. Del’s kindness and humor and ability to understand when others just need a hug is pretty special. Learning who he is is the best adventure. Happy Birthday, son! Here’s to the second star to the right.” Her words reflected the deep bond between mother and son, capturing the joy and pride she feels as she watches Delano grow.

Craig’s family has had a particularly busy and exciting time recently. Just last week, both he and Lindsay made a joint appearance on the Today show, much to the delight of fans. Lindsay, a former Fox Sports and ESPN anchor, stepped in for Today co-host Dylan Dreyer, joining Craig and veteran broadcaster Al Roker to discuss the latest headlines. The on-air appearance of the husband-and-wife duo was a fun and unexpected treat for viewers, showcasing their natural chemistry and shared passion for journalism.

As Craig continues to recover, fans of Today are undoubtedly looking forward to his return to the show. His absence was felt, but the support from his colleagues and the lighthearted banter about his flu diagnosis helped keep the mood positive. With Peter Alexander stepping in and Savannah keeping the humor alive, the show continued seamlessly despite the temporary lineup change.

In the meantime, Craig has the added bonus of getting to spend some extra time with his family while he recuperates. With Delano’s milestone birthday to celebrate, he is sure to be surrounded by love and well wishes, making his recovery all the more enjoyable. Whether he was simply under the weather or had stayed up late celebrating Wofford’s big win, one thing is certain—Craig Melvin will soon be back in his rightful place on the Today show, ready to bring his signature charm and energy to morning television once again.

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