Caitlin Clark Reveals Truth About Sudden Injury Absence With Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark was a late scratch in the Indiana Fever's game against the Portland Fire on Wednesday. The team didn't have anyone on the injury report prior to the showdown, but Clark was suddenly added to it and was ruled out due to a back injury hours before tip-off.

Because of the unexpected injury and absence, there were naturally plenty of concerns about Clark's condition. After all, she has been dealing with some back issues, having to leave the season opener against the Dallas Wings for a mid-game back adjustment and then returning with a wrap around her back.

Head coach Stephanie White played down the issue before their meeting with Portland and clarified that Clark was "healthy" and that the decision to rule her out was simply a precautionary measure.

Caitlin Clark Addresses Injury Absence in Return

On Friday, Clark returned to the lineup against the Golden State Valkyries. She also talked to the media before the contest and explained why she was ruled out against the Fire.

The 24-year-old playmaker explained that she and the Fever "tried everything" they can to get her right after she woke up feeling sore on Tuesday, from lifting to doing a heavy workout. She had every intention of playing, which was why she was not included in the injury report.

Unfortunately, as Clark stated, the decision to sit out went down to her confidence about her body.

"I think at the end of the day it's me and my confidence," Clark stated when asked who made the final call on her absence and what led to it.

"Obviously, I have a great team around me. It's not only me, I trust our medical staff a lot. I have my own personal people that really helped me, too. You know, my sports psych, talked to him a lot, too."

Clark proceeded to discuss that she's still trying to overcome the mental hurdles of coming back from a season-ending injury. It's worth noting that Clark played just 13 games last season because of a groin injury and an eventual bone bruise.

"Coming back from injury and having three soft tissues, or however many soft tissue injuries, is a real mental challenge," Clark added.

"These are the best players in the world, and if I don't feel 100% confident in my body, like on game five of the year, I don't know if that's really worth it in that scenario. ... "I'm doing everything I can to do that. I'm putting my body in my best position I can, and I feel really good and really confident in my body, but there's moments where I still struggle a little bit, and I get in my head and things like that. Like that's just the reality of it."

Caitlin Clark speaks to the media ahead of tonight's game against Golden State. pic.twitter.com/rqYgMuIURi

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 22, 2026

It remains to be seen if the back injury will be a persistent issue for Clark. While the hope is she moves on from it, the Fever star said that she needs to give herself more grace as she navigates the process of overcoming the mental and physical challenges of getting injured.

Clark also asked fans to give her grace, especially since everything she's dealing with can be overwhelming and, sometimes, "traumatizing."

Related: Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark Stuns With Pregame Outfit After Injury Concerns

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 6:15 PM.