Caitlin Clark’s month-long absence has somewhat derailed the entire Indiana Fever 2025 season. With injuries troubling the roster throughout the year, Clark’s groin injury has only compounded their struggles, leaving fans desperate for any sign of her return.
Will Caitlin Clark’s Shootaround Progress Lead to Her Return?
Though it might be some time before Clark returns to the court at full strength, the young star appears to be making significant progress. Out since July 15, Clark was seen participating in shootarounds on Sunday morning before the Fever’s game against the Minnesota Lynx.
Caitlin Clark is participating in shootaround this morning, going through warmups then some non-contact drills with the second team.
She has not officially returned to practice, I’m told, but this her first time working with the team since her injury. https://t.co/xBYcjZM8zO pic.twitter.com/azG0kJ0L36
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) August 24, 2025
The 23-year-old participated in non-contact drills and warmups with the second team. While she hasn’t officially returned to full practice, this marks her first time working with the team since suffering the injury. For a player who’s been sidelined for over a month, any court time represents meaningful progress.
Fans are beyond excited at seeing even this limited activity. Though it might not signal an immediate return, many believe this represents the first genuinely positive news they’ve received since Clark went down.
“Best news we’ve had in weeks. Not practicing, but progress. Soon,” one fan wrote on X.
Best news we’ve had in weeks. Not practicing, but progress. Soon.
— WNBA Louvre (@WNBAlouvre) August 24, 2025
“So great to see Caitlin Clark doing shoot around and some non contact drills. Let’s hope she handles everything well when they ramp her up to full practice,” another user said.
“Hoping for a healthy comeback of CC!! 🙏🙏✨✨” one fan said.
However, some fans remain cautious about rushing her back too quickly. Worried about potential setbacks, they added:
“I have mixed feelings on this. Great to see her on the floor BUT I’m not prepared to see her get hurt again.”
“Oh my baby . God heal her quickly. Miss u CC badly,” one Clark fan expressed.
Oh my baby . God heal her quickly. Miss u CC badly
— Lucy (@Lucy17763471265) August 24, 2025
Head coach Stephanie White shared her perspective on the situation in a conversation with Indy Star, as she said:
“It was a good step because she got out there on the floor with us for the first time, part of the sort of return to activity thing. I think just getting her back out there, getting her comfortable, and see where she goes.”
White emphasized that the workout was designed to be low intensity, perfectly suited for Clark’s current recovery stage.
Why Is Stephanie White Refusing To Rush Clark Back?
After navigating her rookie season without any major injuries or setbacks, Clark’s sophomore WNBA campaign has been plagued by multiple physical issues. Her groin injury was aggravated during her attempted comeback, requiring extensive recovery time and forcing the team to take a more cautious approach.
White, while hopeful about Clark’s eventual return, remains determined not to rush her star player’s recovery. The focus has shifted to prioritizing the athlete’s long-term health over short-term gains.
“I think just the experience throughout the year, trying to come back and come back quickly, has also taught her that she needs to make sure that she’s 100 percent. And, yes, every competitor wants to play.”
“But at the same time, doing it the right way and making sure after we’ve had a couple setbacks, that we’re prioritizing her long-term health and wellness is the most important thing,” said White during a pregame interview.
Before suffering her injury, Clark was averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and five rebounds per game, numbers that highlight just how significant her absence has been for the Fever’s overall performance this season.
