Despite reports to the contrary, the official word from the Indiana Fever is there is no definite timeline for Caitlin Clark's return. That's the latest from IndyStar Fever reporter Chloe Peterson, who explained on "Fever Insider Live" that the team didn't initially announce Clark's August 7 bone bruise injury because they "probably didn't think it was a big deal."
That's a fair assumption, especially as any report related to Clark in more or less any capacity is met with a tsunami of attention. Peterson noted that the bone bruise had no impact on Clark's potential return to the floor for the Fever, and added that she "would still be out rehabbing this right groin injury."
That information makes sense — but also directly contradicts reporting from Scott Agness, another frequent face at Fever and Pacers games. Plenty of fans were confused about why Agness released information about the bone bruise nearly two weeks after it happened, and what it might really mean for the team.
There are also questions surrounding whether or not the information about the bone bruise was shared because many fans expected to see Clark back in team practice this week. Fever fans have debated whether or not the team is handling Clark's injuries appropriately since she first experienced left quad tightness during the preseason, and it's clear that the conversation isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Bone bruises are tricky, but not insurmountable
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a bone bruise can be a tough injury to diagnose, and typically will only show up on an MRI. And though it might be tempting to write such an injury off as untreated bone bruise can cause the bone to fracture or even break, and unlike a regular skin bruise, sometimes the potential damage from a bone bruise can be hard to see or even understand.
It's also not uncommon for a bone bruise to manifest days (or event weeks) later, as many athletes will often initially think they have simply tweaked or rolled their ankle.
Caitlin Clark could be out for the rest of the season
At this point, a lot of signs point to a reality that should be considered: Clark may not return for the 2025 season, and that could even be the best thing for her. As difficult as that is to swallow, especially since the Fever is also currently operating without Sophie Cunningham, Syd Colson, and Aari McDonald.
The Fever will continue to make the most out of a 2025 season that has proven to be chaotic and incomplete, but it's seemingly increasingly likely they will probably do that without Clark back. That's not what anyone wants to hear, but it may be the best move for everyone involved.