“That’s the hope. The hope is that she’s back.” While the Indiana Fever is prioritizing Caitlin Clark’s health instead of rushing her back, 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 with season-ending injuries, the team watched in horror as Sophie Cunningham joined her teammates in the medical room. While a depleting point guard presence and a paper-thin backcourt depth scream for Caitlin Clark’s long-awaited comeback, the Fever received another setback on that front.

IndyStar reporter Chloe Peterson took to social media to update fans on the situation surrounding Caitlin Clark. Shutting down every rumor of Clark’s immediate 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.”

It was the Indiana Fever insider Scott Agness who 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 injury blow of the season comes just a day after Cunningham’s MRI scan confirmed an MCL tear in the right knee. The Fever can’t catch a break, can they.

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 of the Year 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 being 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. Despite these setbacks, Clark has managed to rack up 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, which is a testament to her insane talent.

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. Mitchell has consistently been the go-to person for the Fever this season in the continued absence of CC. This was evident in the game against the Connecticut Sun, where she teamed up with newcomer Odyssey Sims to overcome the 21-point deficit.

Kelsey Mitchell makes noise, in the absence of Caitlin Clark, 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 was over for Indiana, guard Kelsey Mitchell rose like a phoenix and propelled the team towards a jaw-dropping victory.

With their backs against the wall and a humbling defeat looking inevitable, 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. HC Stephanie White addressed the locker room after the game and even declared Mitchell as the WNBA Player of the Week. Can’t argue with that!

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, the onus is on Mitchell to continue to lead the team. With a 19-16 score, the team Fever’s chances of making the playoffs seem pretty secure. The question is; How far can Kelsey Mitchell take them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.