Caitlin Clark’s second WNBA campaign has had its fair share of peaks and valleys. When on the court, the Indiana Fever star looks like one of the league’s top talents, but she’s spent more time on the sidelines due to injury than she has torching opposing defenses.
Clark hasn’t played since July 15 as she deals with a groin issue. However, she reportedly picked up another knock during a workout earlier this month and is now dealing with a bone bruise in her left ankle as well.
The bone bruise itself doesn’t sound particularly serious per the original reporting from Fieldhouse Files’ Scott Agness. After all, the ankle tweak happened back on August 7, so Clark’s nearly two weeks removed from the injury. However, it’s certainly worth monitoring as the star guard continues working toward a return to the floor.
Clark still remains without a timetable for that long-awaited return, though, especially after missing another practice on Wednesday. Her groin injury has left her sidelined for over a month and is the third muscle injury she’s suffered this season alone.
While Clark’s played just 13 of 35 possible contests this year, she’s provided fantastic production while healthy. The second-year star averages 16.5 points and 8.8 assists per game, plus 5.0 rebounds as well. The Fever have largely survived without her this season as Kelsey Mitchell stepped up in a lead guard role, and with a 19-16 record, the team remains in the postseason picture.
The WNBA Playoffs begin on September 14, so if Clark can return before that date and work her way back into form, the Fever stand a chance of competing deep into the postseason. If she doesn’t get healthy before then, though, Indiana will have a difficult time holding their own into the deeper rounds — if they make it that far.
