Caitlin Clark of Indiana Fever to Sit Out Two Weeks with Quadriceps Strain

WNBA standout Caitlin Clark will be absent from the court for a minimum of two weeks following a quadriceps injury, a development that has left fans and teammates disheartened.

The Indiana Fever confirmed on May 26 that Clark, 23, sustained a left quadriceps strain. “Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has suffered a left quadriceps strain and will be out a minimum of two weeks,” the team stated in an official announcement. “Further updates will be provided, as available, following re-evaluation.”

Details regarding the severity of the injury or its cause remain undisclosed by the team.

Since the WNBA season kicked off on May 16, Clark has been a focal point of discussion. Her recent encounter with Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese ignited controversy when Clark received a flagrant foul for pushing Reese during the Fever’s decisive 93-58 victory on May 17. Such fouls are taken seriously in the league due to their potential to cause injury.

Despite the surrounding drama, Clark has made an impressive start to the season, averaging 19 points and leading the league with 9.3 assists over just four games. The Fever narrowly lost two of their four matches by a total of three points, and Clark notably recorded her third triple-double against the Sky.

The Fever have revamped their roster significantly during the offseason, positioning themselves as contenders for the championship this year. While Clark is a key player, her absence may allow teammates to step up in her stead. Veterans like DeWanna Bonner and Sophie Cunningham are expected to provide essential leadership to younger players such as Aliyah Boston and Clark herself, while Kelsey Mitchell is anticipated to fill Clark’s role until her return.

This marks the first time Clark has missed regular season games, as reported by ESPN; she maintained perfect attendance throughout her collegiate career with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Next up for the Fever is a matchup against the Washington Mystics, who feature 2024 No. 6 overall draft pick Aliyah Edwards and 2022 No. 3 overall draft pick Shakira Austin, along with rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. The Fever previously triumphed over the Mystics 79-74 in a challenging preseason game that went into overtime, with Clark not participating.