While the Chicago Sky stepped on the home turf to face the Seattle Storm for the first time this season, Angel Reese stepped away from the roster. Instead of donning her regular jersey, the forward player turned up in a red stripped blouse and wide black pants to cheer for the team instead. But as the roster witnessed their fourth star on the sidelines, the script was set and Sky? Ready to drown against the third-seeded team in the Western Conference division.

In a surprising twist for fans and reporters alike, Reese failed to join the active roster owing to a back injury. It happened after the last game against the Minnesota Lynx. Despite finishing the Minnesota game with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 turnovers, the sophomore athlete’s playing status changed instantly. While fans questioned her absence during the initial shoot-around, her absence in Storm showdown confirmed the injury. However, head coach Tyler Marsh has a breaking news regarding Angel Reese’s injury.

A national reporter shared a clip on X (former Twitter) featuring Sky HC Marsh. She captioned the video as, “Angel Reese is getting up shots and doing individual work at Sky practice, but she’s not participating in contact drills or team activities during the open portion.”

The 24-second video features Chicago Sky head coach, Tyler Marsh, on the hardwood. “Angel’s still day-to-day today. We don’t really want to push it too much with the back injury,” Marsh said ahead of the tipoff against the Indiana Fever. “We want to be careful with that. But she’s progressing as well so it’s day-to-day.”

Ironically, the star players of both Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky are sidelined owing to injuries ahead of the tipoff. While Caitlin Clark has been declared indefinitely out, Angel Reese might return to the hardwood. After all, she was recently seen practicing away from her teammates on the hardwood. Fans can spot Reese making shots on the court, with help from coaching staff.

On being asked if she practiced half court, Marsh cleared the air surrounding her practice session. “No, she has gained her own individual work but no contact drills for her today,” Marsh added. While HC Marsh & Co. are careful on not adding unnecessary pressure on the athlete, the star athlete’s practice video highlights readiness to return.

With an average of 13.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists so far, Angel Reese has finally regained her momentum and offensive prowess this season. But even if she returns to the active roster, can the Sky put up a tough front and garner an impressive victory against Fever? Or will they continue drowning in a bottomless pit of losses?

Can Angel Reese provide respite to the Chicago Sky?

After Angel Reese was sidelined owing to a back injury, the Sky’s incomplete locker room further struggled against the Seattle Storm. As a result, head coach Tyler Marsh & Co. could only secure 95-57 against the Windy City. After all, the depleted roster missed backcourt depth with Ariel Atkins and Courtney Vandersloot’s reigning absence. Add Michaela Onyenwere and Angel Reese. And the front court became equally weak.

While the 2-time WNBA All-Star has made significant progress this season, her presence will create a massive difference in the locker room. With no efficient veteran to rally the team forward, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso together can create ample opportunities in the paint. And bolster offences.

Despite adding a whopping 9 turnovers against the Minnesota Lynx, Reese is fully capable of providing a much-needed edge. Thanks to her impressive rebounding skills. But in case she joins the active Sky roster ahead of the Indiana Fever tipoff, can Angel Reese propel the team towards a win? With lead scorer Ariel Atkins out of the frame, it will be difficult for Sky to navigating through the upcoming games.