Caitlin Clark, the face of the WNBA and one of the biggest draws for the league, will not be playing in the upcoming game against the Atlanta Dream. Head coach Stephanie White confirmed that Clark will sit out, not just for this game but possibly for a few more. This decision comes after Clark’s recent quad injury, which has flared up once again, despite her earlier clearance to play before the season started.

The announcement was made just days after Clark was re-evaluated over the weekend. While Clark had started light practice, she has not been cleared for full-contact action. Stephanie White emphasized the importance of not rushing Clark back into play too soon, especially after she aggravated her injury during the season. “We’re playing the long game,” White said, stressing the need to protect Clark’s health for the entire season, not just tomorrow’s game.

Clark, who had been in full basketball condition before the preseason, was expected to return sooner, but this quad strain has proven to be trickier than initially thought. White made it clear that the Fever’s priority is Clark’s long-term health, as they don’t want to risk further injury. This injury is a reactivation of a minor strain from the preseason, and although it’s not immediately serious, the team is taking extra precautions to avoid Clark being sidelined for the rest of the season.

This unexpected absence has sent shockwaves through the league, as Clark is not just a player—she’s the WNBA’s biggest star. Since her injury, there has been a noticeable drop in ticket sales and media coverage. Fans are eagerly waiting for her return, as her presence on the court creates a huge buzz both on and off the court.

Despite the disappointment, fans understand the decision to hold Clark back. The Fever want to ensure she’s fully recovered before putting her back into the high-pressure games that follow. The team is hoping that by playing it safe now, they’ll have their star player back in top form for the crucial part of the season, including national TV games and playoff contention.

While her absence has been felt, there’s hope that when Clark returns, she’ll bring even more energy and success to the WNBA, propelling the league to new heights. For now, fans will have to wait, but the return of Caitlin Clark will be one of the most anticipated moments in women’s basketball this year.