After announcing her departure from ESPN on Monday, Molly Qerim was not on “First Take” Tuesday morning.

Stephen A. Smith is hosting the show for the rest of the week and opened with a tribute to Qerim, acknowledging her announcement.

“Good morning, and welcome to ‘First Take.’ Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you. However, Molly announced last night she will be departing from ESPN,” Smith said as he opened the show. “She’s hosted ‘First Take’ for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and incomparable kindness.

“She’s been an enormous part of our success for a decade. Not only did she keep me and many others in line, she did it with dignity, class and kindness, to say the least. We’ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future.

“I personally am grateful to her for her friendship. I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side.”

Marcus Spears and Chris Canty joined Smith for Tuesday’s episode.

Sports Business Journal reported that ESPN offered Qerim a new contract but she decided to move on.

The report said she’d be leaving at the end of the year, although that appears to be in question with her absence on Tuesday.

“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim wrote on her Instagram Story on Monday. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world.”