Caitlin Clark Faces Another Setback: Star Guard Sidelined Again with New Injury as Fever Struggle Continues

Just when it seemed like Caitlin Clark was finally finding her rhythm after a difficult start to her WNBA rookie season, the Indiana Fever star has been sidelined yet again—this time with a groin injury that’s raising new concerns about her long-term health and the team’s already shaky momentum.

The Fever announced Wednesday night that Clark had reported left groin pain following the team’s recent road trip, prompting immediate medical evaluation and an MRI scan. Head coach Stephanie White addressed reporters Thursday morning but offered few details about the injury’s severity, saying only that Clark’s status is now considered “day-to-day.”

“We found out late last night,” White said during the pre-game press conference. “We’ll treat it day-to-day and see how she responds to treatment. C has shown she’s tough and a quick healer, so we’re hopeful, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Silence on Test Results Sparks Speculation

What’s fueling even more speculation is White’s refusal to disclose the actual MRI results. When asked directly about the findings, the coach deflected, choosing instead to focus on Clark’s resilience and the team’s medical staff working “around the clock.”

That lack of transparency has left Fever fans and league analysts alike wondering just how serious this latest setback really is.

Given Clark’s massive popularity and her importance to both the Fever and the WNBA’s national ratings, the team’s decision to keep medical details under wraps has already led to a frenzy of online debate. Some fans took to social media demanding answers, while others expressed concern that the Fever may be rushing their franchise player back too soon.

A Season Already Plagued by Injuries

This latest injury comes just weeks after Clark returned from a quad strain that forced her to miss five games earlier this season. That absence marked the first major roadblock of her young professional career, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the last.

After returning from the quad issue, Clark appeared to be pushing through lingering discomfort. Her shooting percentages dipped, and she entered a noticeable slump from beyond the arc. Over her last four games prior to this groin injury, Clark shot just 5-of-29 from three-point range—a far cry from the dazzling perimeter shooting that made her a household name in college basketball.

In her most recent outing against the Seattle Storm, Clark went 0-for-6 from deep and appeared visibly frustrated throughout the game. Teammates noted she was grabbing at her leg more than once, a possible early sign of the groin strain that was officially diagnosed 24 hours later.

Fever’s Growing Injury List Adds to Season Turmoil

Clark’s injury isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Fever have been mired in inconsistency all season, sitting at a disappointing 7-7 record through 14 games. The team has struggled to find chemistry, with injuries and lineup changes becoming a recurring theme.

Adding to the drama, the Fever recently waived veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, who had signed with the team just this offseason but missed the last five games due to what the organization called “personal reasons.” In her place, the Fever signed point guard Aari McDonald, hoping to bring some much-needed stability to the backcourt during Clark’s absence.

General Manager Amber Cox addressed Bonner’s departure earlier this week, saying, “We were really excited when she decided to come here in the offseason, but as the season unfolded, she expressed that she didn’t feel like it was a good fit for her.”

Clark’s Impact—Even From the Sidelines

Despite the injuries, Clark remains one of the most-watched players in the WNBA this season. She’s averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game—numbers that, while impressive for a rookie, still fall short of the sky-high expectations that followed her from Iowa to Indiana.

Her All-Star Game selection earlier this month—where she’ll represent Team WNBA in the July 20 showdown against Team USA—further highlights her league-wide impact. Even with limited time on the court, Clark’s star power continues to drive ticket sales, TV ratings, and social media engagement.

But that spotlight also comes with immense pressure. Critics have already questioned the Fever’s usage patterns, suggesting Clark has been overworked given the team’s heavy reliance on her ball-handling and scoring.

Shooting Slump Adds to Challenges

Before her latest injury, Clark was battling one of the worst shooting slumps of her career. Over her last four games, she managed just 17 percent from three-point range and appeared hesitant on several open looks. Her frustration was evident on the court—shrugging after missed shots, gesturing toward referees, and spending longer stretches on the bench.

Head Coach Stephanie White had downplayed the slump earlier in the week, calling it “typical rookie growing pains,” but the timing of this groin issue now raises questions: Was the injury affecting her performance all along?

What’s Next for the Fever?

Looking ahead, the Fever face a challenging stretch without their star rookie. Thursday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks will mark the first of several games Clark is likely to miss, depending on her recovery timeline.

White said the team is focused on rallying together and leaning on veterans like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston to fill the leadership void.

“This group has been through a lot already this season,” White said. “Injuries, roster changes, tough losses—we’ve had it all. But we’re resilient. We’ll adjust.”

League-Wide Concern for Clark’s Health

Across the league, fellow players and coaches expressed sympathy for Clark and concern over the physical toll her rookie season is taking. Given her importance not just to the Fever but to the WNBA as a whole, her health has become a national talking point.

“I hope she takes the time she needs,” said Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson when asked about Clark’s injury. “We all want to compete, but nobody wants to see anybody hurt.”

The Waiting Game Begins

For now, Clark’s return timetable remains uncertain. The Fever insist her groin issue is being evaluated “day-to-day,” but fans aren’t likely to see her back on the court until the medical staff is fully confident in her readiness.

With the All-Star Game just weeks away and the Fever fighting to stay relevant in the playoff race, the next few days could prove pivotal—not just for Caitlin Clark’s rookie season but for the future trajectory of the Indiana Fever as a whole.

One thing’s for sure: all eyes will remain on Indiana.