It seems increasingly likely the Indiana Fever will be forced to play without Caitlin Clark for several more weeks. Clark injured her right groin during a game on July 15 — her fourth injury of the season.
On Sunday, ESPN reporter Holly Rowe said Clark may be out until the third week in August (the regular season ends September 11). She also noted that "no additional injury was found" when Clark consulted with several specialists, but the Fever wants to be cautious in terms of bringing her back.
"Last time when she came back from injury, she didn’t get any practice time [or] any time to ramp up her conditioning. This time, they’re going to make sure she has time and practices to get rhythm and time with her teammates," Rowe added.
That week in August "provides a few more practice days" that would make Clark's potential return "realistic." To date, Clark has missed 13 games this season — and a late August return would raise that number significantly.
Despite her repeat injuries and absence from the floor, Clark remains enormously popular and is greeted by waves of fans requesting autographs and selfies ahead of and after each game. As noted by sports broadcaster Kylen Mills on X, formerly Twitter, Clark signed autographs for a full 20 minutes ahead of the Fever's recent game against the Chicago Sky.
The Indiana Fever recently signed Chloe Bibby
The Fever has to continue to play through the season with or without Clark, and to that end signed Chloe Bibby to a seven-day hardship contract this month. Bibby made her WNBA debut with the Golden State Valkyries this May, but was waived when team made room for Temi Fágbénlé.
Bibby's first game for the Fever was Sunday's match against the Sky, where she racked up eight points, two rebounds, and one block in 11 minutes of play. The 6'0" forward brings 3-point prowess to a team that needs it, especially with Clark off the floor. Indiana currently ranks eighth in 3-point attempts and sixth in 3-point percentage for the season, and if allowed to fly untethered, Bibby can do a lot for the team in terms of bringing both of those numbers up.
The Fever will next host the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which will mark the first time DeWanna Bonner has played in the arena since she was waived from the team in June. Bonner signed with the Mercury in early July.