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Caitlin Clark’s left quad injury may only sideline the Indiana Fever star for two weeks, but for fans and teammates alike, it’s starting to feel like forever.
Kate Martin, Clark’s former college teammate and now a WNBA sophomore, shared her thoughts on how the Rookie of the Year is handling her first significant time away from the game. Having played four years together at Iowa, Martin knows firsthand how much Clark hates sitting out.
“You never want to see anybody get injured, and it just kills me,” Martin said. “I know how much of a go-getter she is, so anything like this is going to stink. I know she just wants to be out there with her team, and she just wants to be playing all the time. So hopefully she can rest up and heal up soon.”
Martin added that Clark is wired to compete and rarely, if ever, allows herself to slow down—even when tired.
“She wants to be out there for a full 40 minutes every single game of every single season,” Martin said. “And so it’s not easy as a competitor to have to be held back.”
Clark’s expected return could come after Indiana’s next three matchups, which include games against the Washington Mystics, Connecticut Sun, and Chicago Sky. Though it’s not a long-term injury, it’s uncharted territory for Clark, who played all 40 games in her rookie season.
Caitlin Clark Can’t Stay Away—Even While Injured
In classic Caitlin Clark fashion, she hasn’t let the injury keep her off the hardwood for long. During a recent Indiana Fever practice, a clip shared by Just Women’s Sports on Instagram captured the star guard casually dribbling and putting up layups—clearly itching to get back into full action.
Veteran forward Damiris Dantas had to step in, playfully bumping Clark and encouraging her to take it easy.
But Clark? She just smiled and kept working on her handles.
That moment perfectly captures what makes Clark different. Whether it’s college or the pros, healthy or hurting, she’s wired to compete. Her fire hasn’t gone anywhere—it’s just waiting for tip-off.
More must-reads:
- Three-time All-Star will be key to Fever weathering troubling Caitlin Clark injury update
- Angel Reese continues to be a rare bright spot for the Sky
- The 'Multiple 100-RBI MLB seasons' quiz
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Five potential landing spots for Christian Wilkins after stunning Raiders release
The Las Vegas Raiders just stunned the league by releasing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins after only one year with the team. After signing a four-year, $110 million contract, he struggled with injuries in 2024. This was supposed to be a big bounce-back year for Wilkins, but after a dispute between the two sides in regard to how to handle his foot injury, the team decided it was best to part ways. Now, a premier interior disruptor is suddenly available. Assuming his medicals get checked out soon, there should be a lot of interest around the league. Where should he land? Dallas Cowboys Dallas has needed a dominant interior presence for quite some time. Osa Odighizuwa is an awesome threat, but he is only solid against the run. Alongside him, the team will be banking heavily on 2023 first-rounder Mazi Smith, who has been disappointing so far. With Dallas looking to return to the playoffs, adding a stud like Wilkins could give Dallas one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. San Francisco 49ers The 49ers added some young bodies in CJ West and Alfred Collins, yet neither offer a proven, all-around talent like Wilkins could if healthy. The 49ers defensive line was horrid outside of Nick Bosa in 2024, but by adding Wilkins, the team would now have a solid cast of starters with Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Wilkins and Kevin Givens/Jordan Elliott. Miami Dolphins A return to Miami makes a ton of sense for both sides. The Dolphins know exactly how to use Wilkins, he knows the building and players, and the transition would be very easy. Miami needs help in the interior defensive line; by plugging Wilkins back into his old role, he could offer the quickest path to high-level impact. Detroit Lions With Levi Onwuzurike out with injury and Detroit needing more juice on the defensive line, adding a proven disruptor like Wilkins could make some sense. He could provide more depth while he gets fully healthy, and he can join a legit Super Bowl contender. His energy and mentality could be a good fit for a Dan Campbell-led squad. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars defense is average in the interior, but they have excellent edge-rushers who would benefit greatly from a strong disruptor up the middle. Wilkins could balance the front, help in the run defense and allow more one-on-ones for their premier edge-rushers. For a team that wants to return to the playoffs as soon as possible, adding a veteran like Wilkins could be a worthy bet to make.
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy
On Thursday, wrestling icon Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea died at the age of 71. "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," the company said in a statement. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s... WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans." Hogan was the first true superstar to emerge in the wrestling industry, capturing a casual audience worldwide and bringing new eyes to the sport. He was an unbelievable draw, both as a baby face and as a heel. From his time as an All-American hero to leading the New World Order and teaming with Randy Savage as part of the "Mega Powers," he has been a staple of the scene for decades. Who can forget his WrestleMania III moment, where he defied the laws of physics to body-slam a 520-pound Andre the Giant? Or, more recently, his match with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania 18? His last appearance on WWE RAW on Jan. 6 saw him booed throughout, highlighting the rocky legacy Hogan leaves behind. Hogan's universal popularity has plummeted in recent years, primarily due to a racism scandal that led to his removal from the Wrestling Hall of Fame, only to be reinstated in 2018. Nevertheless, the damage had been done. Hogan's outdated and unwelcome outlook on specific aspects of life derailed the final stanza of a legendary career. Still, there's no denying that without Hogan, the wrestling we know and love today wouldn't exist. There wouldn't be WWE on the world's largest streaming platform, or All Elite Wrestling, which is developing into one of the most successful challenger brands. Instead, there would be smaller, more localized promotions, all competing for a sliver of television time. Hogan popularized the sport by bridging the gap between the wrestling ring and Hollywood. During his time in the spotlight, Hogan appeared in movies such as "Rocky III," "No Holds Barred" and "Suburban Commando," all of which helped bring his larger-than-life persona to a new audience. It's no surprise, then, that The Rock, John Cena and Dave Bautista have all made similar jumps in recent years. Hogan leaves behind an everlasting imprint on the wrestling world. Unfortunately, it comes with multiple asterisks; however, that doesn't change what he achieved as the first global wrestling star.
5 Commanders oozing superstar swagger on forceful Day 2 of camp
The Washington Commanders are ramping things up at training camp. Head coach Dan Quinn is mentally and physically preparing his players not only for the new campaign but also for the introduction of the eagerly anticipated padded practices in the coming days. That's where things become much more physical. It's also a solid measuring stick for the coaching staff to assess what they have and what more might be needed for improvement. And considering the high stakes attached to Washington's fortunes in 2025, no half-measures will be given. A few players were kept out of the second session. Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and future Pro Football Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller both got vet days. The Commanders are also erring on the side of caution with wide receiver Noah Brown, who suffered an injury at Washington's mandatory minicamp and is slowly getting himself back into the groove. This trend will continue for other players as camp progresses. But for younger players or those fighting for roster spots, there are no days off and no margin for error. On this topic, here are five Commanders players who oozed superstar swagger on a fascinating second day of Washington's training camp. Commanders players who oozed superstar swagger on Day 2 of camp Ja'Corey Brooks - Commanders WR There is still no Terry McLaurin at training camp as the Washington Commanders continue to negotiate with his representatives over a new deal. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before something gets rubber-stamped, but there's just no telling for sure. Until McLaurin is ready (or willing) to take his place on the practice field among his teammates, others will get the chance to shine. And one unheralded wideout is staking a strong claim for involvement over the first two days of camp. The fact that undrafted free agent Ja'Corey Brooks makes this list for the second-straight day is a testament to his phenomenal early contribution. He reportedly got plenty of work with the first-string offense on Day 2, according to those in attendance. Some impressive catches and another touchdown during team drills indicate he took full advantage. This is the best possible start from Brooks. He possesses some useful traits, despite not hearing his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft. Making noise in the receiver room will be challenging upon further examination of the available options. Even so, he's giving himself a fighting chance. Brooks is setting the tone and getting noticed. Everyone else must follow suit. Trey Amos - Commanders CB The Washington Commanders are looking strong at the cornerback position heading into the offseason. Adam Peters added two new faces to the squad, which bolstered a unit that already had Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil. One of those was second-round pick Trey Amos, who is off to a good start at training camp. Amos had to wait longer than anticipated to hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Ole Miss standout had a first-round grade according to most analysts, but a back issue that came up during his medical assessments caused him to slide to No. 61 overall. That gave Amos some extra motivation to silence his doubters. The Commanders are giving him all he can handle early, and the defensive back is passing every test with flying colors so far. The Commanders are placing Amos as the starting option on the boundary opposite Lattimore. Veteran free-agent signing Jonathan Jones is also getting work with the first-string unit, but defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is challenging the rookie to cement his status as a core part of the team's plans in 2025. Amos looks comfortable, aggressive, and ready to make an impression. If the same trend continues throughout camp, he'll have a big role in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DL Much has been made about the financial commitment given to Javon Kinlaw this offseason. The formidable defensive lineman hasn't reached the heights expected of a No. 14 overall selection just yet, but the Commanders believe there remains some untapped potential for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. to unlock. The Commanders placed a hefty wager on this scenario coming to fruition. Adam Peters, who was part of the brain trust in San Francisco that drafted Kinlaw, gave him a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. That was classed as a massive overpay, but the South Carolina product is working tirelessly to repay this faith. Kinlaw showed up to training camp looking a lot leaner. He's ready to fill the void left by Jonathan Allen, and there's a lot to like about his frame and explosiveness so far. It's early days, but fans should be encouraged by the way Kinlaw is applying himself. The Commanders want to move him around the line of scrimmage to exploit mismatches. Trimming down slightly and adding some extra muscle mass could be the spark that ignites him to much greater fortunes. The veteran has heard all the criticism, and he doesn't care. Kinlaw's confident in his abilities. He also knows that the Commanders have complete faith, which cannot be overstated. Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB While the focus has primarily centered on the new cornerback additions and the return to health of Marshon Lattimore, the Washington Commanders have a superstar in waiting who could become a genuine X-factor in 2025. Mike Sainristil already looks like a significant steal at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The feisty cornerback initially started in the nickel but was forced into a boundary role when others didn't meet their billing. Most thought this would be challenging for the rookie, but he thrived. Now that the Commanders have Lattimore at full health, coupled with Trey Amos and Jonathan Jones on the outside, it should allow Sainristil to do what he does best. That, of course, is impacting proceedings from the slot. Those in attendance got the chance to see that in full effect on the second day of training camp. Sainristil went back into the nickel and immediately shone, breaking up two passes and picking up exactly where he left off. The Commanders have the luxury of moving Sainristil around, but the nickel is where he specializes. He's a willing contributor against the run, an explosive blitzer, and more than holds his own in coverage. And with a full year of NFL experience under his belt, the sky's the limit this time around. Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB It wasn't going to be long before Jayden Daniels made this list. But it's nothing more than the quarterback deserves after a clinical display on Day 2 of training camp, according to those watching from the sidelines. Daniels is a franchise-caliber presence. His extraordinary rookie surge took the league by storm and left Adam Peters urgently trying to build around the signal-caller in pursuit of maximizing his rookie contract. With an improved supporting cast, expectations have gone through the roof in Year 2 of his professional career. The former LSU standout is not settling. Daniels' fierce desire to be the best and his exceptional work ethic are driving him on. Teammates are coming along for the ride, which is only going to serve the Commanders well as they look to cement their status as a legitimate long-term contender. The level of comfort Daniels displays is outstanding. He's composed under center, knows the schematic demands fully, and trusts the offensive line in front of him. Two nice touchdown passes during scrimmages only lent additional weight to these claims. Everyone knows what Daniels can do. The Commanders will only go as far as the Heisman Trophy winner takes them this season and into the future. It's a responsibility he's taking seriously, even without his primary pass-catcher to depend upon right now. More Commanders news and analysis
Could a reunion be in the cards for Rangers HC and this defenseman?
New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has enjoyed an excellent offseason thus far, ticking items off his ‘to do’ list with encouraging regularity. That said, there are still holes to fill on this Rangers team, like the bottom of the Rangers' defensive corps. Adam Fox is a star and Vladislav Gavrikov is a perfect acquisition, sorting out the top pairing. Will Borgen and Braden Schneider, health permitting, should form a solid second pairing. The third pairing, however, remains up in the air. On paper, Carson Soucy is an outstanding third pair D-man. He's big, nasty and responsible in his own end. Last season, though, he was horrible with both the Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks. Never the swiftest of movers, Soucy looked far older than his birth certificate (30) might suggest. He was caught out of position an alarming number of times and, given he provides zero offense, was a huge negative overall. Brought in to fix an ailing defense, Soucy instead poured kerosene onto the blaze. Scott Morrow is an intriguing prospect. Acquired in the K’Andre Miller deal to Carolina, the 22-year-old possesses good size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) and swift feet while being very offensive minded. Learning at the foot of Fox should only help Morrow’s development. That said, he’s currently a pronounced liability in his own end, prone to the sort of haziness and losses of concentration that saw Miller drive Rangers fans crazy. In time, he’ll be a good one, but the question remains: is that time now? No other option inspires a ton of confidence. Urho Vaakanainen? He’s … fine? Responsible enough defensively but provides little offense and doesn’t exactly own the defensive zone, either. Matthew Robertson, a former second-round pick, played the final two games of last season. Those are his only two games in the NHL. He’s big and can skate, but is 24 and simply could be destined to be an AHL/NHL swingman? E.J. Emery and Drew Fortescue are still far too green for the big leagues. Conner Mackey and Derrick Pouliot set precisely zero hearts racing. With a gap that requires filling, does new head coach Mike Sullivan look to his old team in Pittsburgh and seek a reunion with Matt Grzelcyk? The 31-year-old only played one season under Sullivan after a career spent in Boston, but that one season was clearly his best. His 40 points (one goal, 39 assists) was, by far, a career high, despite playing on a poor Penguins team. Sullivan clearly trusts Grzelyck, his 20:37 of average ice time was also a career high. Despite the lack of goals, Grzelyck is an accomplished power play conductor, his 15 assists last season tied for the team lead with Sidney Crosby. His breakout passing at 5-on-5 is eye-opening. At the same time, he is responsible defensively. He’s also a playoff veteran, with 66 games under his belt. Grzelyck’s agent, Matt Fish, recently told ESPN that his client is looking for ‘the best fit’ and that is where the Rangers may fall short. Would Grzelyck be happy on a second on third pairing? He won’t see PP1 minutes on a team with Fox, so would he be satisfied with quarterbacking the second power play? Of course, the bright lights in New York would mean that Grzelyck remains in the national conscious, no matter how the Rangers perform as a team. If he is looking to get one last decent deal, he could do worse than play in a major market. Grzelyck would be the bridge player that allows the Rangers to let Morrow marinate in the AHL for another season. If Sullivan isn’t happy with his in-house options, he might just lean on his relationship with Grzelyck to convince him to come to Broadway.
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