Caitlin Clark Explains Injury Absence for Fever, Hopes Back is 'Not Something That Hinders Me'

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark discussed her back injury when speaking to reporters on Friday.

"My back feels good," Clark said (2:21 mark). "I think there's moments where maybe I get in my head a little bit. That's understandable, I need to have a little grace with myself. I need people to give me a little bit of grace too. When you go through so many things, it becomes a little bit traumatizing too. I hope it's not something that hinders me. I think I'm doing everything I can to put myself in the best position I can."

"Like I said, a lot of it is a mental challenge as well," she added. "Just continuing to trust my body and know I'm good to go as well."

Clark was previously ruled out of Indiana's 90-73 win over the Portland Fire on Wednesday due to back issues.

The two-time All-Star was able to suit up in each of the Fever's first four games of the year, but it's worth noting that she left their bench multiple times in a season-opening loss to the Dallas Wings to have medical staff work on her back.

Clark didn't miss a game during her rookie year in 2024, although she was limited to just 13 appearances throughout her 2025 campaign while dealing with groin and quadriceps injuries.

With the 2026 season still just beginning, it makes sense for her to be careful with her back issues in order to preserve her long-term health.

The Fever currently sit at 3-2 as they attempt to secure a third consecutive playoff appearance this year.

Clark has excelled offensively to start her third season in the WNBA, ranking No. 4 in the league with her scoring average of 24.3 points per game. She's also recording 9.0 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals on a nightly basis while shooting 42.5 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from behind the arc.

Clark returned to the Fever's starting lineup during their clash with the Golden State Valkyries on Friday.