Outlaws activate Dunphey to bolster midfield ahead of Archers clash

The Denver Outlaws have activated undrafted rookie midfielder John Dunphey for their upcoming Premier Lacrosse League match against the Utah Archers. The roster change follows the absence of high-draft-pick rookie Evan Plunkett, who is unavailable due to military commitments. The game is scheduled for Friday at Peter Barton Stadium, with a start time of 8 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN+.

Head coach Tim Soudan highlighted Dunphey’s value as a "natural lefty" midfielder, noting his speed and explosive dodging ability, which provides a unique skill set compared to other midfield options like Graham Bundy Jr. or Dalton Young. Dunphey’s activation follows inconsistent performance from the Outlaws' supporting cast, despite strong play from core players Pat Kavanagh, Brennan O’Neill, Jared Bernhardt, and Logan Wisnauskas.

Evan Plunkett, selected fourth overall, has struggled statistically this season, recording only two goals on 28 shots (7.1% shooting) and four assists in six games prior to his departure. He recently posted a goal and an assist in a 10-8 win over Carolina. The loss of Plunkett has prompted the Outlaws to seek fresh contributions from the bench, with Dunphey offering a different dynamic as an explosive dodger.

Dunphey’s collegiate career at Princeton concluded with a national championship, where he scored 21 goals and provided 18 assists as a senior. Princeton head coach Matt Madalon described Dunphey as exactly what the program hopes for in a player and teammate, praising his attributes ahead of his professional transition.

Nolan Byrne has been listed on the protected roster, making him eligible to play in the second game of the weekend against the Philadelphia Waterdogs on Saturday night. Byrne, a former Lafayette player who spent two seasons in the National Lacrosse League with the Georgia Swarm, is being considered for his first PLL field appearance after a successful rookie indoor season where he recorded 55 points.