Caitlin Clark Out for Two Weeks with Quad Strain

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Fever announced Monday that Caitlin Clark will be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a strained left quadriceps muscle. The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year has started her second season strong, averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 34.9 minutes per game.

Clark’s absence poses a major challenge for the Fever, as she plays a crucial role as their primary scorer and playmaker. With the Commissioner’s Cup approaching, how Indiana plans to adjust remains to be seen.

The exact timing of Clark’s injury isn’t clear. She previously dealt with a left leg issue during the preseason, which caused her to miss the team’s season opener against the Washington Mystics on May 3. Clark returned for a “homecoming” game on May 4, scoring 16 points in 19 minutes during a blowout win. She also played 23 minutes in a preseason finale against the Atlanta Dream on May 10.

Fever head coach Stephanie White stated on May 27 that this new injury is not linked to her earlier leg troubles. Clark played 38 minutes in a tight two-point loss to the Liberty on May 24, after which she had an MRI that revealed the strain.

This two-week recovery period means Clark will miss at least four games, starting with the Fever’s away matchup against the Mystics on May 28. Additionally, she will be absent for games against Connecticut (May 30), Washington (June 3), and Chicago (June 7). A re-evaluation will determine if her recovery continues longer than projected.

In Clark’s absence, veteran Sydney Colson will step into the starting lineup. Signed as a free agent this offseason, Colson has championship experience after winning titles with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 and 2023. However, her playing time has been limited, averaging just 8.0 minutes per game last season.

Another player to watch is Sophie Cunningham, who had missed earlier games due to an ankle sprain. Acquired from the Phoenix Mercury as part of a massive 10-team trade, Cunningham has averaged 7.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 20.0 minutes per game.

Kelsey Mitchell, a previous All-Star, will become even more crucial for the Fever’s offense, especially since Colson is not primarily a scorer. Lexie Hull has also started the season well, averaging 10.0 points in the first four games. Although Clark’s absence will change the Fever’s offensive structure, the team has enough depth to fill the gap left by her injury.