Caitlin Clark injury update: Major update emerges on status for rest of Fever season

Caitlin Clark has been out with a groin injury since July 15. On Sunday, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White provided an update on Clark’s recovery when asked if the two-time WNBA All-Star will return before the end of the regular season.

“That’s the hope. The hope is that she’s back,” White said, per ESPN.

In total, Clark has missed 21 games for the Fever this season. The team has posted an 8-5 record with Clark and a 10-11 record without her this season.

It’s been a roller coaster season without Caitlin Clark leading the way. The Fever have looked competent without their leader at times, only to appear clueless the very next game.

From late July to early August, the Fever won five consecutive games and seemed to finally be finding their rhythm. However, that sentiment quickly fell apart when Indiana lost four of its next five contests.

If the season ended today, the Fever would be the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Alas, it certainly wouldn’t hurt for Clark to ramp up to the playoffs with a few regular-season showings. After all, rust has been an obvious issue for the former Iowa standout this season when she’s attempted to return from injury.

Clark is averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. However, she’s shooting just 36.7% from the field and 27.9% from beyond the arc. While Clark initially felt like she needed to return to the hardwood as quickly as possible, advice from her mom has led to her taking a more careful approach.

“Early on with the first couple injuries, I was like, ‘I need to get back,’” Clark said during an appearance on the Bird’s Eye View with Sue Bird podcast. “But I think my mom texted after this last injury, and they know how hard it’s been on me, but my mom was like, ‘You’ve taken so much time for everybody else, you have to take time for yourself now.’ So I’m just trying to do that the best I can, too.

“… ”But you do want to play, you want to give people something to cheer about or scream about. People spend so much time, and money, and resources to come and watch you play. And it’s been cool to see people continue to show up for my teammates, whether they’re fans of the Fever just fans of myself, they’re continuing to show up and support.”

The Fever have 10 games left in their regular season. The last game of the regular season is on Sept. 9.