“That’s the hope. The hope is that she’s back.” While Indiana Fever is prioritizing Caitlin Clark’s health instead of rushing her back into the games, the team was in for a shock recently. After Sophie Cunningham suffered a right knee injury, there were speculations surrounding Clark’s comeback on every social media platform. Though head coach Stephanie White hopes to bring back the athlete, circumstances have pushed away every faint possibility of her return.

The Indiana Fever has been grappling with major injuries this season. After Sydney Colson and Ari McDonald were sidelined on the same day owing to season-ending injuries, the team watched in horror as Sophie Cunningham joined her teammates on the bench. While a depleting point guard presence and a paper-thin backcourt depth screams for Caitlin Clark’s long-awaited comeback, the Fever were hit with yet another tantalizing blow today.

IndyStar reporter Chloe Peterson took to social media to update fans on the situation surrounding Caitlin Clark. Shutting down every rumor of Clark’s alleged return to the roster, Peterson wrote on X, “Sources confirm to me that Caitlin Clark suffered a “very mild” bone bruise in her left ankle on Aug. 7. Scott Agness first. Source also stresses that this does not tweaked ankle does not affect her return timeline. Sans ankle injury, she would still be out rehabbing her groin.”

Meanwhile, Indiana Fever insider Scott Agness first broke the news on X. He posted, “NEWS: Fever All-Star guard Caitlin Clark tweaked her left ankle during a workout in Phoenix, league sources told Fieldhouse Files.” The point guard suffered a bone bruise during a practice session. Clark’s third WNBA blow comes just a day after Cunningham’s MRI scan confirmed an MCL tear in the right knee.

According to Peterson, the Fever guard suffered from a mild bone bruise, that requires four to six weeks of recovery. Often affecting the underlying bone beneath the surface, the bruise is commonly caused by a twisted ankle. And this is precisely what happened in Clark’s case. Already tending to a right groin injury, compressions and ice massages can help reduce swelling and stiffness in the region.

Despite 13 appearances, the reigning rookie has missed 22 games this season. She was first diagnosed with a left quad injury after the team’s first matchup against the New York Liberty on May 24. While she missed out on five games and adhered to a two-week resting period, Clark stunned fans with a 32-point comeback performance on June 14. Clark avenged the team’s first loss against the Liberty, and joined the active roster before getting ruled out again.

Still in her sophomore year, Clark missed out on four games in late June owing to a left groin injury. But Fever reintegrated her into the roster before the decided timeline. And needless to say, the athlete succumbed to a right groin injury during the Connecticut Sun game on July 15. And the guard has missed 13 straight games since then. Besides, Clark’s average of 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game is better than most current athletes.

As Fever navigates through the season without Clark and Cunningham, can they fulfil HC Stephanie White’s storybook run? With the playoffs inching closer with each passing day, the team heavily relies on Kelsey Mitchell to lead. After all, Mitchell switched the odds in the team’s favor during the Connecticut Sun game. She teamed up with newcomer Odyssey Sims to overcome the 21-point deficit.

Kelsey Mitchell makes noise after a roaring 99-93 win

The Indiana Fever locker room spiralled after the second quarter. But just when the 8,910 spectators at the Mohegan Sun arena and those watching live felt that the game is over for Indiana, athlete Kelsey Mitchell rose like a phoenix and propelled the team towards a jaw-dropping victory.

Instead of letting the incident affect the team, Mitchell flipped the script in the second quarter and how! With just three points in the first half, Mitchell & Co. put up a tough front against the opponents. As fatigue took over the Connecticut Sun in the third quarter, the Fever took advantage of the situation and scored 23-15.

Besides, the Fever did not give up and pushed the game into overtime. With a total of 38 points, 1 rebound, and 6 assists, Kelsey Mitchell led the team towards a remarkable 99-93 victory. But this was not the only recognition for the guard. Fever head coach, Stephanie White addressed the locker room after the game, and declared Mitchell as WNBA Player of the Week.

As the leading scorer for the franchise, Mitchell is an unstoppable force on the hardwood. Moreover, as Clark’s latest injury shut down all comeback rumors, Mitchell will continue to lead the team. With 19-16 score, the team has nothing to worry about as long as they have Kelsey Mitchell on the roster.