Fever Await Caitlin Clark’s Return From Groin Injury

Fever Await Caitlin Clark’s Return From Groin Injury \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White confirmed no new injuries were found in Caitlin Clark’s recent groin evaluation. While there’s no timeline for her return, the team welcomes the clarity. Clark has missed 12 games this season, creating challenges for both her and fans.

Quick Looks

• No additional injuries found in Caitlin Clark’s groin evaluation.
• Fever coach Stephanie White relieved by injury report clarity.
• Clark has missed 12 games due to recurring muscle issues.
• Her 2025 stats are down from her record-setting rookie season.
• Clark averaged 16.5 points and 8.8 assists this season.
• She missed Thursday’s game vs. Las Vegas and the All-Star Game.
• Fans expressed disappointment at her absence from recent games.
• White emphasized team focus and growth amid Clark’s absence.
• Sophie Cunningham will continue to start in Clark’s place.
• Full recovery may not occur until the offseason, White says.

Deep Look

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White exhaled deeply on Thursday after receiving a medical update on star guard Caitlin Clark—an update that, while not offering a return date, confirmed no additional injuries to her left groin. The news brought a sense of clarity to a team, and a fan base, that has been navigating weeks of uncertainty, disruptions, and frustration as Clark recovers from her third muscle-related injury this season.

Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, who never missed a game during her record-setting college career at Iowa or her first year in the WNBA, has now been sidelined for 12 games in the 2025 season. Her most recent setback occurred in the final minute of a July 15 victory over the Connecticut Sun, just as she appeared to be regaining top form. It marked yet another frustrating moment in a season filled with starts and stops, as Clark tried to build momentum with a Fever team hungry for consistency.

During Thursday’s pregame news conference, White spoke candidly about how the uncertainty surrounding Clark’s availability has affected the team, not just in strategy but in morale and cohesion. “I think that’s big for the mindset of our group,” she said, noting the importance of being able to plan without wondering, every day, whether their star guard will be able to practice, or play, or sit. “It’s one of the disruptions that comes with some of that. So there’s clarity, and I think that’s good for everyone—I think that’s good for Caitlin, too.”

Although Clark did not address the media before the game, she previously expressed her frustration at the timing and nature of her injuries, telling reporters before the All-Star break that the latest injury “was pretty frustrating considering I knew what the coming days were going to hold for myself.” Despite the setback, she added, “I’m also trying to look at it in the most positive manner I can.”

Clark’s sophomore campaign has been marked by statistical declines, though she remains one of the league’s top playmakers. Her 16.5 points per game—a dip from her rookie season—has been accompanied by a career-low 27.9% shooting from beyond the arc and 41.7% from the field. Still, her 8.8 assists per game, up from 8.4 last season, underscore her value to the Fever as both a creator and a leader on the court.

Before the All-Star break, Clark seemed to be finding her rhythm, helping the Fever string together three consecutive wins, a surge that lifted team morale and hopes for a playoff push. However, her injury in the closing seconds of the Connecticut game dashed that momentum, keeping her out of back-to-back games against defending champion New York Liberty, and once again on Thursday against Las Vegas—a game attended by thousands of fans wearing Clark jerseys, many holding signs in anticipation of seeing their favorite player live.

Clark’s absence continues to be felt across the league—not just by fans and teammates but by coaches and league marketers who’ve come to depend on her popularity, visibility, and impact on WNBA growth. From a fan engagement perspective, her injuries have been especially disruptive, as the Fever are frequently scheduled for national broadcasts and high-profile matchups.

Coach White acknowledged that the muscle injuries Clark has endured are notoriously tricky, often persisting without extended rest—something players typically only get in the offseason. White confirmed that Clark would soon be traveling to New York for further evaluation and emphasized the Fever’s long-term view of her recovery. “It’s definitely a relief to know there’s nothing else going on and no problem, no more damage,” White said. “Now it’s just being patient with the process.”

That process will continue without Clark in the short term, as Sophie Cunningham steps in as a starter, taking on a larger role in Clark’s absence. While Cunningham brings toughness and shooting ability, there’s no question that Clark’s absence shifts the dynamic and diminishes the team’s scoring threat.

Despite the setbacks, the Fever are trying to maintain focus, develop chemistry, and keep pace in a competitive Eastern Conference. Coach White has repeatedly stressed the importance of growth, connectivity, and resilience, especially as younger players take on increased responsibilities.

For Clark, the 2025 season has become a test of patience, both physically and mentally. Once celebrated for her ironwoman durability in college and the WNBA, she now faces a new challenge—learning how to recover, rest, and return smarter and stronger. The Fever’s medical staff is working closely with her to ensure her healing process is not rushed and that she avoids aggravating an already sensitive injury.

The groin injury, while not career-threatening, is particularly difficult for players who rely on explosiveness, agility, and lateral movement—all key attributes in Clark’s game. Every movement, every sprint, every defensive slide must be pain-free before she can fully return to her dynamic style of play. That’s why the Fever, and Clark herself, are prioritizing caution over urgency.

While there’s no clear timeline for her return, the positive evaluation offers hope that Clark is on the path to full recovery, even if that road remains uncertain. Fever fans, teammates, and coaches will continue to rally around her, trusting that when she does return, it will be without restriction—and with renewed purpose.

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