Caitlin Clark Addresses Growing Concern Over Lingering Back Problem

Caitlin Clark is off to a strong start in her third WNBA season with the Indiana Fever after appearing in just 13 games last year because of a season-ending groin injury.

While she is no longer dealing with the lower-body issues that sidelined her last season, Clark has been managing a lingering back problem that led to several in-game adjustments and even caused her to miss Indiana's fourth game of the season against the Portland Fire in what came as a somewhat unexpected absence.

Still, both Clark and head coach Stephanie White continued to downplay the severity of the issue, stressing that they do not view it as a major concern. Clark went into more detail about what she has been dealing with physically and mentally as she continues learning how to manage injuries.

"I don't think it necessarily started at a certain point. I think it's just been over the course of the last year when I've kind of been understanding my body more," Clark said. "I think before that it was always like, ‘I'm fine, go play, go play, go play,' and maybe sometimes I'm a little too hyperaware of certain things … but continuing to work through that and just finding the balance. Maybe I don't need to be as aware … but I don't think it's anything of concern, no."

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It certainly has not affected Clark's play, as she is off to the best start of her young WNBA career with the Indiana Fever.

The former Iowa star is currently averaging 23.8 points, 9.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 43.2% from the field, 34.8% from three-point range, and 96.4% from the free-throw line.

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 9:54 AM.