Kyrie Irving returns on Sunday, will sit out Monday

Kyrie Irving is ready to return to action after missing three weeks with a sprained left shoulder, but will miss the Cleveland Cavaliers game Monday against the Atlanta Hawks.

By Drew Garrison Mar 31, 2013, 6:58pm EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers have inserted Kyrie Irving back into their starting lineup Sunday against the New Orleans Hornets after missing three weeks of action because of a sprained left shoulder, but the point guard will be inactive Monday against the Atlanta Hawks reports Mary Schmitt Boyer of The Plain Dealer.

Irving will miss Monday's game because of the Cavaliers' "medical protocol."

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Irving's season has been plagued with injuries dating back to the summer where he broke his hand. He also broke his jaw, and had been dealing with knee injuries through the latter half of the season. The Cavaliers had considered shutting Irving down for the season if his knee continued to bother him.

It's odd timing, as the Cavaliers are statistically eliminated from the playoffs, and have only 11 games remaining on their schedule. Still, it provides an opportunity to evaluate their roster going into their summer with Irving back in the lineup.

Irving has averaged 23 points and 5.7 assists per game in the 49 games he has been active.