The Indiana Fever’s push toward the playoffs is facing additional hurdles as Caitlin Clark suffered a minor ankle setback during an individual workout earlier this month. This development, reported by Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, raises new concerns for a team already dealing with injuries and challenges in their rotation.
The left ankle injury, sustained on August 7, has been diagnosed as a very mild bone bruise. While this does not alter Clark‘s recovery from a lingering right groin problem, it adds uncertainty as the Fever contend with a critical stretch of remaining games.
Additional Key Injuries Weaken Indiana’s Backcourt
The same game where Clark’s ankle was affected saw major injuries to other Indiana guards. Sydney Colson suffered a torn ACL and Aari McDonald broke her foot, ruling both out for the rest of the season. More recently, Sophie Cunningham tore her right MCL versus the Connecticut Sun, further depleting the team’s backcourt depth under coach Stephanie White.
To fill the gaps, Indiana signed veterans Odyssey Sims and Shey Peddy on seven-day contracts. Cunningham’s injury has also allowed the Fever to add a third hardship player, granting a slight reprieve as they prepare for a challenging final run.
Coach Stephanie White Addresses Clark’s Condition
Despite the team’s moves to manage injuries, all eyes remain on Caitlin Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year hopeful. She was expected to evaluate her fitness during the Fever’s recent four-day break, but White remained cautious when updating reporters.
“Until she can get into practice, and until you guys see her in practice, it’s really status quo, same as we have been.”
—Stephanie White, Head Coach
Clark has been sidelined for 22 games this season, including the last 13 consecutive contests. While the Fever have still won seven of those games, her absence looms large as the team faces stiff competition ahead.
Fever Prepare for Grueling Final Games Without Clark Confirmed
Indiana’s path to the postseason remains difficult, with nine remaining games all against top-eight teams, beginning with a back-to-back series against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx. Achieving back-to-back playoff appearances will require favorable outcomes and a healthy return from Clark, whose full comeback timeline remains unclear.
Until she returns to practice and uniform, the challenges the Fever face will only intensify, highlighting the critical nature of Clark’s recovery to the team’s aspirations this season.