Matt Lauer was absent this morning from the “Today” show due to a deer-bicycle accident over the weekend. Evidently, Lauer couldn’t wait for deer hunting season.

According to news reports, Lauer was riding his bicycle when he made contact with a deer. Details are  a bit sketchy whether he ran into the deer, or if the deer ran into him.

Lauer’s co-host, Meridith Vieira, joked on air this morning that Lauer thought the competition hired the deer to take him out. Vieira also said:

“Matt’s banged up with a displaced shoulder, it popped out. So hopefully he’ll be on the mend soon.”

Lester Holt took over for Matt Lauer on this morning’s show. Lauer is expected back by the end of the week.