Caitlin Clark Shares What’s Been Toughest About Injury Recovery

Clark explained that while missing games is difficult for any player, not participating in daily practice sessions has been the biggest mental hurdle.

“I really enjoyed coming out here every single day and competing every single day with my teammates,” she said. “That’s probably what I honestly miss the most.”

Clark has been a visible presence at Fever practices even while sidelined, and multiple clips in recent days have shown her engaged on the sidelines — encouraging teammates, taking photos during warmups, and itching to get back into the flow.

Fever head coach Christie Sides and teammates have praised Clark’s leadership and energy even as she’s been unable to take part in live drills. But for Clark, being limited to a supporting role during practices and games has tested her competitive instincts.

“I think it’s an opportunity to grow, right? Just try to approach it in the best way I can,” Clark said. “It’s certainly weird.”

Patience is a Challenge for Caitlin Clark During Recovery

For Clark, learning patience through the injury process has been a personal test.

“I’ve never been a patient person all my life, so this is definitely testing me a little bit,” she said. “But I think it’s gonna be really good for me.”

The Fever announced on May 26 that Clark would be out a minimum of two weeks. She is scheduled to be re-evaluated by the team’s medical staff over the weekend, with a potential return to action as soon as Tuesday, June 10, when Indiana hosts the Atlanta Dream.

Until then, Clark continues progressing through her rehab work. During the team’s June 5 practice, she spent portions of the media viewing period doing light shooting work and individual conditioning, signaling that she is on track with her recovery plan.

“I love practice, I love getting better,” she reiterated. “That’s what makes this part hard.”

Indiana Fever Adjusting Without Caitlin Clark

In Clark’s absence, the Fever have gone 1-2, picking up a road win over the Washington Mystics but falling to the Connecticut Sun earlier this week. Indiana (3-4 overall) will face the Chicago Sky on Saturday before returning home next week.

Veteran guards Kelsey Mitchell and Aari McDonald, who was signed on an emergency hardship contract, have played key roles in stabilizing the backcourt rotation during this stretch. Mitchell’s scoring and McDonald’s defensive energy helped power the Fever’s win over Washington, and both players will be critical again Saturday.

Rookie guard Grace Berger has also seen an expanded role in recent games, while Aliyah Boston continues to anchor the frontcourt.

But there’s no question the Fever’s offense looks different without Clark, who was averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and a WNBA-best 9.3 assists per game prior to her injury.

Indiana Fever Eager for Caitlin Clark’s Return

Clark’s competitive fire has been evident throughout her rehab process, and it’s clear she’s eager to return to game action as soon as she is fully cleared.

While she has kept a positive perspective, Clark admitted the past two weeks have reinforced just how much she values being in the thick of daily team competition.

“I love coming out here every single day and competing,” Clark said. “That’s the hardest part.”

If her recovery continues to progress well, Clark could rejoin the lineup as soon as next week. The Fever will welcome her back — and so will a WNBA fan base that has followed her every step this season.