Indianapolis, IN – In a disappointing turn of events for the Indiana Fever and women’s basketball fans nationwide, star rookie Caitlin Clark will be sidelined for at least two weeks after suffering a left quadriceps strain during the Fever’s narrow 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty on Sunday night.

The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter when Clark drove to the basket and appeared to tweak her leg while attempting a jump shot. Though she initially remained on the court, discomfort became evident, prompting the Fever’s medical team to conduct further evaluation. An MRI on Monday confirmed the strain, and the team officially announced that Clark would be out for a minimum of 14 days, with her status to be reevaluated after that.

This marks the first major injury of Clark’s professional career. Known for her durability, Clark had never missed a game in college at the University of Iowa and was celebrated for her high energy and court presence throughout her NCAA and early WNBA career.

“Caitlin has been a cornerstone for us both on and off the court,” said head coach Stephanie White during a press briefing Monday afternoon. “We’re going to be extra cautious with her recovery. She’s a long-term part of this franchise, and we want to prioritize her health and well-being.”

Before the injury, Clark was putting up stellar numbers in her rookie WNBA season. She was averaging 19.0 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game—making her one of the most impactful rookies in league history. Her playmaking, deep shooting range, and leadership had quickly transformed the Fever into a playoff hopeful after several years of rebuilding.

Replacing a Star

With Clark out, the Fever will need to reshuffle their strategy heading into a challenging stretch of games against the Washington Mystics, Connecticut Sun, and Chicago Sky. Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell is expected to shoulder more of the playmaking responsibilities, while All-Star forward Aliyah Boston, averaging 18.5 points and 10.8 rebounds, will be looked to for leadership on both ends of the court.

Additionally, role players such as Erica Wheeler and Kristy Wallace are expected to see more minutes as the team looks to maintain its competitive edge in Clark’s absence. “This is a great opportunity for some of our younger players to step up and show what they can do,” said White. “We’re confident in the depth of our roster.”

Fan Impact and League Reaction

Clark’s injury is a blow not just to the Fever, but to the WNBA as a whole. The 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick has been a major driver of increased viewership and attendance across the league. Fever games have seen record ticket sales, and Clark’s jersey remains one of the top sellers.

Social media was flooded with messages of support from fans, teammates, and even rivals. WNBA legend Sue Bird tweeted, “Wishing Caitlin a speedy recovery. The game is better when she’s on the court.” Fellow rookie Angel Reese also posted, “Heal up soon, CC! We need you back out there.”

Recovery Timeline

While the team has not provided a definitive timeline for Clark’s return, quad strains can vary significantly in recovery time depending on severity. A mild strain may only require a couple of weeks of rest and physical therapy, while more significant strains can sideline players for up to six weeks.

Clark will begin her rehab program immediately, focusing on regaining strength and flexibility in the affected leg. “She’s already asking questions about recovery timelines and when she can get back on the court,” said team trainer Michelle Young. “That competitiveness is why she’s special.”

Despite the setback, the Fever organization remains optimistic. “Caitlin is a fighter,” said White. “We know she’ll come back stronger, and in the meantime, we’ll keep pushing forward as a team.”