Caitlin Clark says no timetable for return as Fever lose two more guards for season

Yahoo

4 days ago

The Indiana Fever, who are already without All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, announced Friday they have lost two more guards — Sydney Colson (left ACL tear) and Aari McDonald (broken right foot) — for the remainder of the season.
League rules don't allow the Fever to sign a hardship player until after Saturday's game against Chicago, meaning they will have nine players available for that contest. The teams meet at 8 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Colson and McDonald each suffered injuries during the Fever's loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday, Aug. 7. Colson was injured in the first quarter of the game in Phoenix while trying to track down the basketball near the Fever's bench. McDonald left the game limping in the fourth quarter. Neither player returned.
For her part, Clark appeared on Sue's Bird podcast, "Bird's Eye View," on Friday and spoke about the frustrations of her injury-filled season and not having a grip on when she will be able to come back. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2024, Clark has played in 13 of 32 games this season and remains out indefinitely with a right groin injury.
'Obviously, there are really frustrating days and there are days where it's a little bit easier and you're very motivated and you're close to the finish line of getting back," Clark told Bird on the podcast.
'It's not like I have a training camp to build up to play in my first game again. It's like no, you're tossed into game 30 — like, 'Go try to play well.' It's hard, it really is.'
Clark is averaging 16.5 points, five rebounds and 8.8 assists, she's shooting just 36.7% from the field, including 27.9% from 3-point range. Notably, she is 2 of 35 from behind the arc on the road.
"It's just been so challenging being active, playing four games, and then not," Clark said. "Not feeling the best and then frustrated of how hard I worked in the offseason and all I do is rehab and continue to do this process.
"That's been the hardest part, the stop-and-go of everything."
Clark shared that she understands how much fans enjoy seeing her play and plans to continue to travel with Indiana Fever regardless of her injury.
"You want to play," Clark said, knowing that people bought tickets for her games to get the chance to see a deep 3-pointer or amazing pass. "But I still try and make it memorable. I am going to sign autographs for way longer when I am hurt than when I am not injured."
Clark started the season with a left quad injury, then injured her left groin and now the right. She her mom texted her after the most recent setback, who urged her to take the time she needs to heal.
"She said, 'You have given so much to the game, take some time for yourself,'" Clark said.
Clark also eluded about her career after basketball, joking about becoming a college coach because of the lack of defense played at that level. She then talked about being on the sidelines at games, "coaching the refs."
"I should be ref," she joked. "I'd wouldn't miss a call."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Indiana Fever injuries: Caitlin Clark, Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson