Indiana Fever fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Caitlin Clark, the star guard whose sophomore season has been marred by a series of injuries. Clark has been sidelined since July 15 due to a right groin injury sustained during the Fever's victory over the Connecticut Sun.
The Fever provided an update on July 24, stating that Clark underwent further medical evaluations earlier in the week, which revealed no additional injuries or damage. The team confirmed that Clark would continue to work with the medical staff on her recovery and rehabilitation, with a focus on her long-term health and well-being. However, the team did not provide a specific timetable for her return.
As of August 3, 2025, Clark is set to miss her seventh consecutive game as the Fever face the Seattle Storm.
Fever coach Stephanie White addressed Clark's recovery on Sunday, emphasizing the team's cautious approach. "Her recovery's going well," White said, according to the Indy Star's Chloe Peterson. "It's just for us I think staying the course and make sure we're really diligent about each step that we take, and that we don't have setbacks and that we're patient with it. I know she wants to be out on the floor, and we want her out on the floor, but making sure that she's ready is the most important thing. I still don't know how far we are, we're going to take it one step at a time, one day at a time".
White's comments suggest that Clark's return is being approached with a day-to-day mentality, prioritizing her full recovery over a rushed return to the court. This cautious approach is understandable, given Clark's history of injuries this season.
Clark's teammate, Sophie Cunningham, described Clark's groin injury as "weird". "It's such, like, a weird injury," Cunningham said. "She's not in pain all the time. But when you do hurt it you're out for another...So I think they're trying to be like extra cautious so she doesn't kind of have those little setbacks".
Prior to this season, Clark had not missed a game due to injury since high school. She admitted that dealing with injuries has been a new experience for her. "This is the first time I haven't felt like a young body that can run around and sprint every day and just continue to do that," Clark told Glamour during All-Star weekend. "Being a professional athlete, you really have to take care of both your body and your mind -- it's been a journey learning about that".
When Clark has been on the court, she hasn't been able to find the same form that made her an All-WNBA First Team honoree last season. In the 13 games she has played this season, Clark is averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5 rebounds and 1.6 steals, while shooting 36.7 percent from the field and 27.9 percent from three-point range.
Despite Clark's absence, the Fever have remained competitive, posting a 5-2 record in her absence. The team currently holds a 16-12 record and remains a playoff contender.
Following Sunday's game against the Storm, the Fever will embark on a four-game road trip, facing the Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury. It remains uncertain whether Clark will be cleared to play during this road swing.
Fever fans are hoping that the team's patience and Clark's dedication to her recovery will pay off, allowing her to return to the court and contribute to a potential championship run.
