Caitlin Clark may be out with a left quadriceps injury, but she is still managing to make waves from the sidelines as she Indiana Fever star has drawn attention not only for her ongoing support of the team but now for a noticeable shift in her on-court appearance.
Since her absence began on May 24, the 23-year-old has missed five consecutive games of the 2025 WNBA season, but still tries her best to help her colleagues by assuming multiple off-court roles while recovering. Most visibly, she has taken on the duties of an unofficial assistant coach.
Yet it was a visual shift, not her playmaking or personality, that drew the most attention this week following a practice on Tuesday. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year was photographed wearing a leg sleeve on her injured leg.
For a player known for her simple and gear-free style, and one who is rarely seen in sleeves, braces, or knee pads, the addition marked a noticeable and surprising change and quickly circulated on social media, and fans were quick to react with excitement and humor.
One fan commented, on X.com (formerly Twitter), “Aura.”
Whilst a second added, “That may be the wrong one they want in the league. That one looks even more dangerous.”
A third said, “New level unlocked.”
And a fourth concluded, “The world isn’t ready for this.”
When will Caitlin Clark return for the Fever?
While the leg sleeve is most likely a practical choice to support her recovery, it has inadvertently added to the mystique around Clark’s return, fueling anticipation, and perhaps a bit of fear among opponents, for her comeback.
However, the Fever’s head coach, Stephanie White, indicated earlier this week that the team is focused on long-term health rather than rushing her back so even if she is declared available, expect her minutes to be limited.
“We’re going to be smart, and we’re going to be cautious and we’re going to play the long game and work her back in very intentionally,” White said to reporters, ahead of a clash with the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, June 10. The game will tip at 19:30 ET/16:30 PT and air on ESPN3.Even while absent from the lineup, Clark has maintained a strong presence – supporting teammates, engaging in strategic discussions, and even experimenting with photography after being handed a camera by team photographer Bri Lewerke.
But it’s her leg sleeve, worn during a moment that was never meant to be a performance, that has sparked the loudest reaction in recent days from Indiana fans expecting to see their star in action again at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse sooner, rather than later.
Whether it becomes part of her on-court identity remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that even when sidelined, Caitlin Clark finds ways to shift the conversation and draw focus.
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