Michael Strahan remains absent from 'Good Morning America' despite concluding hosting duties on rival network

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Co-host Michael Strahan was reportedly absent from the February 5, Monday episode of 'Good Morning America.'

Even though it is typical of him to take a day off on Mondays during the football season, his show on the rival network had this week off, reported The US Sun.

Who replaced Michael Strahan on 'GMA?'

Gio Benitez appeared on the Monday episode in place of Strahan, alongside Linsey Davis and George Stephanopoulos. The latter was the only one among the regular trio to be present at the table, with Davis stepping in for an absent Robin Roberts.

Benitez is a regular anchor for the weekend episodes of 'GMA,' but often fills in for the main hosts on the weekdays when required, according to The Sun.

The publication further stated that Strahan usually remains absent from the morning show on Monday because of his analyst gig on Fox NFL Sundays. The football program is shot in California, while the 'GMA' studio is famously situated in New York.

However, the close of the football season brought the end of NFL Sundays the previous week.

On Sunday, February 11, the Super Bowl is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, during which Strahan is expected to be on the NFL program.

He was last seen on 'GMA' on February 2, with Stephanopoulos and Eva Pilgrim.

Michael Strahan's awkward take on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

The co-hosts were discussing Swift and Kelce with correspondent Will Reeve on the February 2 episode, after Kelce slammed the rumors that his relationship with the Grammy-winner would be a distraction for the Super Bowl.

"But it is amazing that some people are just so up in arms. Like who cares? It's great!" said Roberts, to which Reeve replied, "Let's enjoy some football, and some love, and keep it moving."

"And I love how they say, you know what, they're good, they're not going to hear anything. Good for them," continued Roberts.

Strahan stayed quiet for a while and opinionated, "Stay away from it."

"Got anything else to add? You don't got anything to say?" asked Roberts, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"No, I mean I'm happy for them!" expressed Strahan, following which Reeve joked, "Michael I'm going to help you and we're going to switch gears."