May 16, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (left) dribbles against Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

'Soon': Rickea Jackson Hints Return After Injury From Devastating Collision

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated May 26, 2025 7:34 AM ET

Rickea Jackson appears close to returning from a concussion suffered in the LA Sparks’ season opener, giving fans a glimmer of hope amid the team’s recent struggles.

Jackson, who sustained the injury after a mid-air collision with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith during their 89-75 loss, has missed the last two games. Since then, the Sparks have dropped three straight, and her absence has been deeply felt.

On Saturday, Rickea Jackson took to Instagram with a brief but promising update for fans: “Soon,” she wrote in her story, suggesting her return could be just around the corner.

Despite the optimism, Jackson will remain out for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Sky, as confirmed by the team’s injury report.

The Sparks are also dealing with other setbacks. Rae Burrell has been ruled out due to a right knee issue, while No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink is still sidelined as she recovers from an ACL injury. With key players unavailable, the pressure is on veterans like Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby to keep the team afloat.

“Every Year, Another Coach”: Rickea Jackson Hopes for Stability Under Lynn Roberts

Rickea Jackson’s professional career has been a revolving door of new systems and fresh starts. But this season, the Sparks forward is hoping to finally find some stability under newly hired head coach Lynn Roberts.

“New coach, new system, so it’s kind of restarting for me,” Jackson said on May 15 via FootBoom. “That’s been my basketball career unfortunately—like every year another coach. So Coach Lynn better stay.”

May 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; (From left to right) Los Angeles Sparks forward Azura Stevens (23) and center Mercedes Russell (21) and guard Kelsey Plum (10) and forward Rickea Jackson (2) defend Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Sparks, coming off a franchise-worst 8-32 campaign last season, retooled with a mix of youth and veteran leadership. Key offseason acquisition Kelsey Plum is expected to lead alongside Hamby, while Jackson plays a central role in the team’s future once healthy.

The Sparks opened the season strong with an 84-67 win over expansion team Golden State Valkyries, but haven’t found their rhythm since, dropping three straight games.

May 6, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson (2) during the first quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

As they prepare to face the struggling Chicago Sky on Sunday, the Sparks are desperate for a turnaround—and Rickea Jackson’s return might just be the spark they need.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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