Indiana Fever Facing Roster Decision as Caitlin Clark Works on Her Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 7:21 AM ET

The Indiana Fever are well poised to make the playoffs despite an injury-riddled 2025 season. However, that also means they have to make some tough decisions as the postseason nears.

Due to the season-ending injuries to Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald and Sophie Cunningham, as well as the lengthy absence of Caitlin Clark, the Fever were forced to sign three players to the hardship waiver.

The Fever just gave Odyssey Sims a regular contract under the hardship waiver after maxing out the seven-day hardship deals they could offer her. Meanwhile, both Shey Peddy and Aerial Powers were brought in on seven-day hardship contracts.

With just four games remaining in the campaign and the Fever eighth in the WNBA standings, though, it remains a big possibility that the Fever will have to release one of the aforementioned three players should they make the playoffs.

According to Chloe Peterson of IndySports, the Fever are able to accommodate a third hardship player because of Clark's lengthy absence due to injury. That said, Indiana will have to release one of their players under hardship waiver once she returns.

The two-time All-Star has not played since July 15 and has missed 28 games so far this season, including the Commissioner's Cup final. Fortunately, she's progressing well in her recovery and has actually participated in practices and some team activities.

It's hard to see Sims being cut at this point, especially amid her solid performance for the Fever. That being said, it's likely going to come down to Peddy and Powers for the final roster spot when Clark comes back.

As for the person they choose to retain, the Fever will have to sign that player to a rest-of-season contract in order for her to be eligible for the playoffs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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