The 2025 WNBA season felt like a fever dream for Indiana—and not always the good kind. If you followed the team, you know the vibe. One night you’re watching Caitlin Clark pull up from the logo, and the next, you’re refreshing Twitter just to see how many players are actually available to suit up. It was brutal. Honestly, the indiana fever injury list became more of a weekly saga than a simple report.
Between Clark’s lingering groin issues and the terrifying moment Kelsey Mitchell went down in the playoffs, the training room was busier than the hardwood. But it’s 2026 now. Things are changing. We’re in the thick of the offseason, and for the first time in a year, the news isn't just about who's heading to the IL. It’s about who is finally coming back.
What Really Happened with the Indiana Fever Injury List Last Season?
To understand where the team is going, you have to look at the wreckage of last September. It wasn't just one bad break; it was a domino effect. Caitlin Clark, the literal face of the league, was limited to just 13 games. Think about that for a second. The biggest draw in basketball spent the majority of her second year watching from the sidelines.
She dealt with a leg issue in the preseason, then a quad, and finally a right groin injury that just wouldn't quit. By the time September rolled around, the front office had to make the hard call to shut her down. It was the right move for her career, but it left a massive hole in the lineup.
Then you had the role players. Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson both went down with season-ending injuries. Colson, specifically, suffered a torn ACL in August, which is a monster of a recovery for any veteran. At one point, the Fever were down to just eight healthy players. They had to use hardship exceptions just to fill the bench. It was "next man up" taken to a desperate extreme.
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The Kelsey Mitchell Scare and Rhabdo
If Clark’s injury was the most impactful, Kelsey Mitchell’s was the most frightening. During Game 5 of the semifinals against the Aces, Mitchell—who had been carrying the entire offensive load—just stopped. She later described a "numbness" and a "paralyzing feeling" in her legs.
She ended up in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis. Basically, her body was shutting down from overfatigue. When you play 44 games and average 20 points because your co-stars are hurt, that’s the risk you run. The good news? As of January 2026, she’s back on the court playing in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league. She’s dropping 24-point games and looks like her old self.
Tracking the Current Recovery Status
So, who is actually healthy right now? The indiana fever injury list is looking a lot cleaner as we head toward the 2026 preseason, but there are still some question marks.
Caitlin Clark She is officially back to 100%. Clark participated in the Team USA senior training camp in December and looked sharp. No more limping, no more clutching the hip. She’s publicly stated that it feels great to play without pain again. For Fever fans, that’s the only update that truly matters.
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Aari McDonald Aari was a savior last year when the team was depleted, but she had her own five-month layoff after an injury in August. She just made her return to the court this month. She’s playing again, but you can tell there’s a bit of rust to shake off.
The ACL Recoveries Sydney Colson is the big one here. ACL tears usually take a full year to feel "normal." While she’s working her way back, don't expect her to be at full speed the second training camp opens. These kinds of injuries are about the long game.
The Aliyah Boston Factor
One person who stayed remarkably durable through the chaos was Aliyah Boston. She was the anchor. While everyone else was rotating in and out of the trainer's room, Boston was holding down the paint. She’s currently playing for the Phantom in the Unrivaled league and looks as dominant as ever. Her health is the foundation the Fever are building on this year.
Why the 2026 Roster Looks Different
Injuries don't just affect the win-loss column; they change how a front office thinks. The Fever realized they were way too top-heavy. When your stars go down and the drop-off to the bench is a cliff, you’ve got a problem.
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- Depth is the new priority. You'll notice the team has been linked to several veteran free agents. They need players who can start 15 games if Clark or Mitchell need a rest.
- Minutes management. Expect Stephanie White to be much more conservative with playing time early in the 2026 season. They can't afford another rhabdo situation with Mitchell.
- Medical Staff Overhaul. There’s been talk of the team expanding their sports science department. When you have an injury-riddled season like 2025, you have to look at the "why" behind the "what."
What to Watch For Next
The next few weeks are pivotal. Free agency officially opens on February 1, and the Fever have some serious cash to spend—about $1.3 million, actually. They have the core (Clark, Boston, and hopefully a re-signed Mitchell), but they need insurance.
Honestly, the best thing for the indiana fever injury list is to keep it empty by signing reliable veterans who have a history of durability. Look for the team to target a backup point guard and a defensive-minded forward.
If you're tracking the team's progress, keep an eye on the Unrivaled league highlights. Seeing Mitchell and McDonald move laterally without hesitation is the best indicator we have right now that the 2025 curse is finally lifting.
The goal for 2026 is simple: stay on the court. If they do that, the talent is there to go beyond the semifinals. But as we saw last year, talent doesn't mean much if it's wearing a walking boot on the bench.
Check the official WNBA transaction wire daily starting in February. That’s where you’ll see if the Fever are actually putting their money where their mouth is regarding roster depth. Also, keep tabs on the Unrivaled 3-on-3 box scores; it’s the best "live" injury report we have until the WNBA preseason officially kicks off.