It’s the kind of plot twist no fan wants to see—your team’s star player suddenly out of action, sidelined by injury just when things are heating up. And yet, that’s the very reality the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark’s loyal fans are grappling with right now.
Caitlin Clark—yes, the electrifying guard who’s lit up courts ever since storming into the WNBA scene—is battling her toughest opponent yet: an ongoing groin injury that’s kept her in street clothes instead of the Fever’s red and navy. But how’s the team holding up? And what’s next for Caitlin? Let’s catch up on the story behind the headlines.
Another Missed Practice and an Uncertain Timeline
On Wednesday, fans held their breath and checked their social feeds, hoping for good news. Unfortunately, it didn’t come. Clark sat out another practice, her right groin injury continuing to keep her on the sidelines.
Coach Stephanie White didn’t sugar-coat things—there’s still no set date for Clark’s return. “Until she can get into practice and until you guys see her in practice, it’s really status quo,” White shared after a recent workout at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Translation: don’t expect any surprises just yet.
Since the fateful end-of-game moment on July 15 in Connecticut when she first went down, it’s been a frustrating wait. This isn’t just a single bump in the road—Clark’s had three different muscle issues this year, forcing her to miss 22 games, including the last 13. Even the WNBA All-Star weekend, which was practically in her backyard in Indianapolis, rolled on without her.
The Team Behind the Star
Now here’s where things get interesting. You’d think losing your marquee player for most of the season would be catastrophic. But surprisingly, Indiana is still hanging in there—and that’s no accident.
During the offseason, the Fever went all-in on building around Clark. They didn’t stop at hype—they added real depth and hustle to the roster. And it’s paying off. Even without Clark (and, let’s not forget, three other key players also out with season-ending injuries), the Fever are clinging to a playoff spot.
Veteran All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell put it perfectly: “Caitlin’s still there, like that hasn’t wavered. And I think even though they’re not in the lineup, we still feel everyone’s presence.” That kind of leadership doesn’t show up in stats—it’s felt in the locker room, on the bench, and in every time-out huddle.
A Rookie Sensation with Tough Shoes to Fill
Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here. Caitlin Clark doesn’t just move the needle—she is the needle. After dominating at Iowa, she came into the league last season and didn’t miss a beat, playing in every single game and nabbing Rookie of the Year honors. This year’s injuries can’t erase that.
She never missed games in college, so this sudden string of sidelining must be incredibly frustrating. But in true Clark fashion, she’s still engaged, still mentoring, still “there” as Mitchell said—rallying her team even from the bench.
What’s Next?
At this stage, patience is key—for the team, for the fans, and especially for Caitlin. Groin injuries are tricky, and rushing back too soon could risk turning a bad season into a career-threatening one. As much as everyone misses seeing #22 on the court, bringing her back healthy is non-negotiable.
There are just 9 games left in the regular season, but don’t count Clark out just yet. Coach White is “hopeful” she’ll suit up at some point down the stretch. And if that happens? Watch out—this could very well become one of those unforgettable comeback stories.
Whether or not she returns this season, one thing’s crystal clear: Caitlin Clark is already a cornerstone of this franchise, and her impact goes way beyond the stat sheet.
Stay close, Fever fans—this team’s got fight, and their story’s far from over.