This nightmare season for Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever just keeps getting worse. On Wednesday, it was revealed that she’s battling yet another injury.

Clark, the No. 1 pick from the 2024 WNBA Draft, averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 assists per game for the Fever. Suffice to say, she lived up to the hype. Unfortunately, the two-time All-Star from Iowa has battled a quad strain and a groin injury this year. She has been sidelined since July 15 due to her groin injury. Prior to going down, she was averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and 5.0 rebounds per contest.

Fever head coach Stephanie White has already said that Clark’s return to the court won’t be rushed. The franchise will prioritize her long-term health. If that means she won’t play until 2026, then so be it.

“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 of setbacks, that we’re prioritizing her long-term health and wellness is the most important thing,” White recently told reporters.

Although the Fever haven’t said anything yet, it’s being reported that Clark suffered an injury during her rehab process.

Clark suffered a “very mild” bone bruise in her left ankle on Aug. 7, according to ESPN’s Chloe Peterson.

According to Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, the Iowa legend tweaked her anjle during a workout in Phoenix.

What does this injury mean for Clark’s return?

As of now, Clark’s ankle injury isn’t expected to impact her recovery timeline. At least that’s what Peterson is reporting this Wednesday.

“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,” Peterson said.

While this injury might not delay things for Clark, it’s certainly causing panic within the fan base.

Indiana fans are convinced there’s more to the story.

After the news of Clark’s ankle injury broke, Fever fans expressed their frustration over this situation.

“So we’re lying now so the organization avoids backlash for lying about the day to day status…that’s LOW,” one fan said.

“Obviously a distraction,” a second fan asked. “What is really going on with Caitlin Clark?”

“From 2 weeks ago lol. Distraction much,” a third fan wrote.

The Fever have already lost Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham and Aari McDonald to season-ending injuries. Cunningham was playing well during Clark’s absence, averaging 8.6 points per game on 43.2% shooting from beyond the arc.

With the backcourt already depleted, Indiana should seriously consider shutting down Clark and focusing on the 2026 season. The last thing the organization needs is for her to rush her rehab process and immediately aggravate her groin injury. Besides, the team’s future is only bright if she’s healthy.

Are the Fever willing to shut down Clark with nine games remaining? Only time will tell.