In a testament to the ever-evolving dynamics of professional sports, Cannons rookie Pat Kavanagh is set to make his return from injured reserve this Saturday as he takes older brother Matt Kavanagh's spot on attack for Boston’s game against the Denver Outlaws.

Pat has been sidelined with right groin and left toe injuried since June 25. The sixth overall draft pick last played in a PLL game on June 15, in the Cannons’ 12-11 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Waterdogs.

In the three games he’s played this season, we primarily saw the younger Kavanagh running out of the box, with his older brother on the left on attack. This wasn’t surprising, as Matt has had proven success as an attackman in the pros, especially with the Cannons over the past year.

In the matchup with the Waterdogs back in June, we did see Cannons offensive coordinator Jim Mitchell move Pat to his natural position on attack in the middle of the game in hopes of getting the Tewaaraton Award winner more involved in the offensive scheme. The two-time NCAA national champion has already shown promise, tallying five points (3G, 2A) in three appearances, but we really haven’t seen enough to properly evaluate him yet.

Ironically, Matt’s recent struggles have opened the door for his younger brother’s return. After a subdued performance last weekend against the New York Atlas (1A, shot 0-for-4), the 31-year-old was healthy scratched for this Saturday’s game in San Diego. This is the second time the veteran has been a healthy inactive this season, the first being on June 28 to allow undrafted rookie Mike Robinson a chance to make his professional debut.

When head coach Brian Holman decided to dress Robinson over Matt, we saw a vintage “Matty Ice” performance a week later in Boston against the Waterdogs (5P, 3G, 1T, 1A). Perhaps this added dynamic of some brotherly competition for the starting attack spot is exactly what he needs.

Regardless of family ties, and even without the elder Kavanagh's struggles this season, this move isn’t all that surprising. The Cannons need to continue to explore and leverage their depth. Coach Holman himself noted after the draft that veterans like Matt Kavanagh and Marcus Holman are not getting any younger. This opportunity for Pat to play on the left side is just as important in terms of the team's forward-looking strategy.

Of course, Pat's reintegration into the lineup will come with its challenges, particularly after being out for over a month. Coach Holman said just last weekend after Boston’s 17-12 win over the Atlas -- the Cannons' best offensive performance so far this season -- that having consistency in their lineup has been an advantage recently. They'll hope playing Pat at his natural position will ease his transition back into the lineup.

As the Cannons prepare to face the Outlaws, all eyes will be on the rookie. His performance this weekend could very well set the tone for the rest of his season and potentially shift the team's offensive dynamics.