November 8, 2026Updated November 9, 2026, 7:45 a.m. ET
The voice of “Sunday Night Football” will not be there for the November 8 edition between the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mike Tirico will not announce the game due to a health issue, Tirico said in a statement via NBC. Noah Eagle, the network’s lead college football broadcaster, will announce the game alongside color commentator Cris Collinsworth and reporter Melissa Stark. The game would have been the 300th NFL contest organized by Tirico.
“Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight’s game in Chicago due to a health issue,” Tirico said in his statement. “I can’t wait to watch tonight and can’t wait to be back with Cris, Melissa and the rest of our ‘SNF’ crew next Sunday night in Cincinnati.”
The Bengals are scheduled to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, November 15.
Tirico has called himself “Sunday Night Football” since the 2022 season when he replaced Al Michaels. He hosts NBC’s Olympics coverage every two years and is also the lead voice for the network’s NBA broadcasts.
Eagle will announce the game less than 24 hours after its broadcast of the high-profile college football game between Notre Dame and Miami ends. Eagle has previously called major NFL games, such as the first-ever game in Brazil and playoff contests.
Noah Eagle starts broadcast on NBC without Mike Tirico
Eagle’s opening alongside Collinsworth began with a moment acknowledging Tirico’s absence.
“Noah Eagle replaces Mike Tirico, who is dealing with a health issue,” Eagle said. “He can’t wait to be back in Cincinnati next weekend with the crew.”
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