Napheesa Collier has been celebrating on one leg for the past few months. She oversaw another successful Unrivaled season from the sidelines. And she played a central role in the recently agreed-upon CBA. Yet, her injury woes persist, as Collier was seen unfit in her latest appearance.

Collier’s injury was heartbreaking. In Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA finals, Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Collier in the final seconds but, in the process, ran through her ankle. She went down in agony. Collier tore three ligaments in her left ankle and has been away from the court since. She decided to undergo surgeries on both her ankles back in January, which ruled her out for 4-6 months. We are now almost at the 4-month mark and it seems full fitness will take more time for Collier.

Napheesa Collier was seen on a scooter at Paige Bueckers’ camp at Hopkins High School in Minnesota. She was accompanied by Bueckers, naturally, and Rachel Banham as well.  “Unfortunate Lynx news. Napheesa Collier was seen at her annual Hopkins basketball camp using a leg scooter and a cast on her left leg,” wrote Lynx beat reporter Andrew Dukowitz. “I did check in with the Lynx and they had no comment at this time.  Until I hear more, I’m staying positive.” With the WNBA Camp starting on April 17, we are just weeks away from the season beginning. So, Lynx fans immediately expressed concern after this Collier update. 

Napheesa Collier’s Injury Update Sparks 2026 Season Worry

“She is out until probably june. Both ankles needed work,” wrote a fan. Despite injuring her left ankle in that Game 3, Collier  decided to have surgery on both her ankles. On August 2, she had sprained her right ankle against the Las Vegas Aces, forcing her to miss three weeks. It seems that was still bothering her by the end of the season. 

“It sucks but that is what happens when the league allows some players to play rugby. This could have been avoided if the league took reffing seriously,” complained another fan. “Phee might never be the same again.”

This was a very popular narrative over the course of last season. The WNBA has always been physical but it reached the tipping point with a historic amount of injuries (220+). 

The 44-game schedule did not help. For Collier, two ankle surgeries can affect her game when she returns. According to a 2023 research paper, up to 40% of patients with lateral ligament complex injuries from lateral ankle sprains can continue to experience residual deficits in terms of pain, swelling, recurrent instability and loss of function.

Many other studies have reported close to 70% of patients can develop chronic lateral ankle instability, leading to long-term effects. Nevertheless, we don’t know the exact diagnosis for Collier and she has the best conditions and facilities to recover. While the concerns for Collier arrived, some also saw a silver lining. 

“That’s a different ankle (left) than the one during Unrivaled. So it’s probably a second recent surgery and maybe even “good” news,” commented a fan. It makes sense that Collier would operate each ankle one at a time. She can’t afford to be completely immobilized with her businesses, her work with the WNBPA and two kids at home. In her Unrivaled social media dump, she does have a cast on the right ankle, and now it’s on the left. It’s possible that she is on the right track for recovery. But will it come in time for the Lynx?

“🫣 We knew this was a chance! Hopefully Cheryl can get a team together to hold it down until she gets back!” wrote a fan. If she returns in early June, Collier would miss the first month of the season for Minnesota. Even when she does, it’s very likely that the forward is not at her best and contributes from the bench. Considering this, the Minnesota front office should plan to remain competitive. 

“They need to trade for Reese,” suggested one. Angel Reese was unhappy with the Chicago Sky’s squad and front office, to say the least. While she has committed to return, she could still be open for trade if the right offer comes around. And the possibility increases if the Sky don’t make the moves she wants to. 

Reese wants to win and Minnesota is very close to perfecting a title-winning team. They went to the finals just last year and seem one piece away from getting there. That piece could be Angel Reese. Still, the Lynx cannot replicate what Napheesa Collier brings on both ends of the floor. If her return is limited, Minnesota may need to tread water early in the season.