Caitlin Clark out for Fever with back injury, team not managing her workload
The Fever ruled out Caitlin Clark against the Fire on Wednesday, but were adamant it wasn’t about limiting her work load
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 17: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever is introduced before the game against the Seattle Storm on May 17, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by A.
J. Mast/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images For the first time this season, the Fever will be without Caitlin Clark on Wednesday after the star guard was a late scratch due to a back injury. According to head coach Stephanie White, Clark woke up on Wednesday with back stiffness.
After going through a workout, the Fever opted not to risk it and ruled her out. However, eyebrow-raiser, White later said that Clark did not participate in practice on Tuesday and received treatment instead, which raises questions about the timeline of events. “Just woke up with some stiffness and some soreness,” White said.
“Like we always say, how do you respond after a workout? For us, it’s not the time to take a chance. We just really want to be cautious.