Caitlin Clark’s return to the WNBA appears to be several weeks away, as the Indiana Fever star continues to recover from a lingering groin injury.
Recent reports reveal that Clark, who has already missed 13 games this season, including the last four in a row, is still sidelined with the injury she sustained on July 15 during a matchup with the Connecticut Sun. Despite previous optimism from Fever head coach Stephanie White, who described her status as “day-to-day,” ESPN reported on Sunday that Clark might not be back on the court until mid-August.
ESPN’s Holly Rowe provided more insight during the broadcast of Sunday’s game between the Fever and the Chicago Sky, which Clark missed once again. Rowe shared that Clark had recently visited a specialist and underwent scans, which fortunately did not reveal any new or additional damage. However, this has led the team to take an even more cautious approach moving forward.
According to Rowe, one reason for this shift in approach stems from Clark’s rushed return the last time she was injured. Back then, she didn’t have the benefit of practice or conditioning before jumping back into games. This time around, the Fever want to ensure Clark gets adequate time on the court with her teammates before returning to competitive action. Rowe noted that the team’s schedule during the third week of August will include more practice opportunities, making it a more realistic target window for Clark’s return.
While she remains listed as “day-to-day,” mid-to-late August appears to be the earliest likely return. Indiana faces a tough stretch ahead, with five games over the next 11 days. However, the schedule lightens considerably between August 16 and August 22, a period that could be ideal for Clark’s reintroduction.
In the meantime, Clark continues to travel with the team and was present on the bench during Indiana’s 93-78 victory over the Chicago Sky on Sunday. Chicago’s Angel Reese was also absent from that game due to a back injury.
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