Boston Cannons have placed short-stick defensive midfielder Bubba Fairman on the injured reserve list. 

Known for his relentless work rate, physical presence and team-first mentality, Fairman’s absence will be felt on the field and in the locker room. Drafted by Boston in 2022, he’s been a foundational piece in the building of Cannons culture since head coach and general manager Brian Holman took the reins in 2023. 

“Bubba’s one of those irreplaceable culture guys,” Holman said.

TJ Comizio, who signed with the Cannons in January, is expected to take on a larger role in Fairman’s absence. An All-Star in 2019 with the Atlanta Blaze, Comizio is known for his defensive IQ and disruptive energy between the lines. Despite having not played in a professional game since 2021, Comizio has proven potential as the next man up to be one of the most efficient ground-ball midfielders in the league.

 “TJ is ready,” Holman said. “I trust him.”

With the 2025 College Draft presented by Q-Collar quickly approaching, Holman also hinted that the Cannons could look to add an additional SSDM to help reinforce the position group and provide some depth while Fairman recovers. Notre Dame's Ben Ramsey, Duke's Jack Gray, North Carolina's Andrew O’Berry, Rutgers' Joe Juengerkes and Denver's Casey Wilson are the top-ranked SSDM prospects on Adam Lamberti's Big Board.

Fairman’s absence will be a challenge, but one the Cannons are prepared to navigate. Boston isn’t in a developmental phase; it's in win-now mode. Every decision, from Comizio’s signing to potential depth picks in the draft, is made with one goal in mind: a championship.

With veteran leadership in place (SSDMs Zach Goodrich, Jeff Trainor and Pat Aslanian all have been with Boston for at least two seasons) and reinforcements on the way, the Cannons remain firmly on track to contend.