Caitlin Clark gets honest on injury management 6 games into WNBA season

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are 4-2 after six games played in 2026. After a slow start, the Fever have stacked up three straight wins to climb the league standings. As of writing, they are tied for second in the WNBA, trailing the No. 1 seed Atlanta Dream by just half a game.

Clark has played five out of Indiana’s six games this season. She sat out on Thursday against the Portland Fire due to a back injury. The former WNBA Rookie of the Year was a late scratch for the contest, an unexpected development that drew considerable attention from fans.

Clark returned after a one-game absence, though, and it appears that there is no serious cause for concern with regard to her back issue.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark shuts down injury concerns

Both Clark and the Fever were quick to play down the injury. The team framed it as an injury-management decision rather than the two-time All-Star dealing with a concerning issue. It is worth noting that Clark exited Indiana’s season opener on May 9 twice to readjust her back.

Clark spoke to reporters on Tuesday during practice. One of the questions she faced was about managing her back issue early in the season. The Fever star responded honestly, but also doubled down on the notion that the back is not a significant concern.

“I mean, I don’t think it necessarily started at a certain point,” Clark said of her back issue. “I think it’s just been over the course of the last year when I’ve kind of been understanding my body more.

“Before that, it was always like, ‘Ah, I’m fine, I’m fine — go play, go play, go play.’ And maybe sometimes I’m a little too hyper-aware about certain things, but at the same time that’s good. I understand things and I’m just continuing to work through that.

“I think it’s just finding the balance of when I maybe don’t need to be as aware and when I’m maybe a little too over-aware. So, still working through that, but I don’t think it’s anything else.”

#Fever star Caitlin Clark on managing her back:

“I don’t think it necessarily started at a certain point. I think it’s just been over the course of the last year when I’ve kind of been understanding my body more. …”

“But I don’t think it’s anything of concern, no.” pic.twitter.com/8SWKdp4xEe

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 26, 2026

Clark is coming off an injury-riddled 2025 campaign. She dealt with multiple soft tissue injuries, which ultimately limited her to just 13 games throughout the season.

The Fever are taking a cautious approach to the health of their cornerstone superstar, which means that it would not be a surprise if she sits out the occasional game for injury management. Clark’s comments on Monday seem to align with this.

Nevertheless, Clark is expected to suit up for Thursday’s road matchup against the Golden State Valkyries. Tipoff from Chase Center is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.

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