ESPN reporter Holly Rowe shares possible timeline for Caitlin Clark return from injury

USA Today

6 days ago

During the nationally broadcast 93-78 Indiana Fever win over the Chicago Sky from the United Center on Sunday afternoon, ESPN reporter Holly Rowe provided a more in-depth update on Caitlin Clark's injury and when the former Hawkeye could be expected to return to action.
Clark, who has remained out since July 15 after suffering a right groin injury against the Connecticut Sun, remains a constant presence on the bench for the Fever as the team plays without its franchise cornerstone.
'[Clark] did see a specialist last week, and no additional injury was found in that exam and scans. Stephanie White did tell us that they will be even more cautious in their approach to her return to play this time.
'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 practice to get rhythm and time with her teammates," Rowe said.
Sunday's game marked the fourth consecutive game Clark has missed due to the right groin ailment. In total, Clark has now been absent for 13 regular season games with three different injury setbacks.
Rowe finished her report on Clark by pointing to the Fever's schedule, which features a five-day break around the third week of August, between Indiana's Aug. 17 road game against the Connecticut Sun and their Aug. 22 home game against the Minnesota Lynx.
While admitting that Clark remains "day-to-day" according to the team, Rowe alluded to the specific window between games as an ideal timetable for a potential return, given the star guard's ability to secure a few more days of practice during that period.
As you look at their schedule, the third week in August provides a few more practice days where that seems like it's realistic. While she does remain day-to-day, that seems like a better timetable for a possible Caitlin Clark return," Rowe said.
As for the immediate future, Indiana (14-12) will look to continue their confident play when the team returns home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a matchup against former teammate DeWanna Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury (16-9) on Wednesday, July 30.
The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN3.
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