In a league where rivalries run strong, the Indiana Fever seems to have a rivalry with the league referees as well. What started with a heated reaction from Caitlin Clark and DeWanna Bonner in a game against the Atlanta Dream in May has continued until the last weeks of the season. The latest chapter in this rivalry of sorts includes Lexie Hull. With not one but two blows to her head, the fans and her teammates have been concerned for her health. A teammate was so concerned that she had to text Caitlin Clark during a game.

After not one but two blows to her head in a matter of three days (first Kayla McBride’s elbow and then a head-to-head clash with Gabby Williams), Sophie Cunningham recently revealed her concern for her safety after the clash with Gabby. In the recent episode of her Show Me Something podcast, Sophie discussed her reaction as Lexie Hull and Gabby Williams’ heads collide as both players went to grab a loose ball. Though both players did manage to return to the game, ‌the way Lexie looked upon her return, there were bound to be some concussion concerns.

On the latest episode of her podcast, Sophie said, “Her and Gabby, which Gabby’s awesome, she’s like one of my good friends, she did not mean to, but her and Lexie on accident nailed each other. And that’s where Lexie immediately had like a huge knot. That’s what gave her a black eye. She looked like an Avatar. She sent me a picture and I like Facetimed her immediately, and I was like, ‘Dude, are you okay? I was like, ‘There’s no way you’re not concussed.’ And I like texted Caitlin immediately during the game. I was like, “How concussed is Lex?”

Though Lexie was able to enter the game early on in the second quarter, the concerns around a concussion were pretty valid. With the Fever already struggling with a barrage of injuries, especially at the guard position, Lexie being placed in the WNBA’s concussion protocol would have resulted in her missing at least two games. While this particular instance was a pure accident, the Indiana Fever’s concerns about the officiating are not without good reason. During the same podcast, Sophie said that the referees are allowing the game to become too physical. But it’s not just her who’s called it out.

Many others around the league have also raised similar concerns. At a time when the league is growing at a monumental pace, the worst thing that can happen to the league is having its star players injured. And that’s exactly what happened this year around. Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Sophie Cunningham, Courtney Vandersloot, and so many more. All these players have either had season-ending injuries or have missed significant time this season. 

Sure, with most eyes on Caitlin Clark, the most outrage has been for the physicality she has to face. But make no mistake, this is a league-wide issue that needs fixing as soon as possible. Caitlin Clark may yet make her comeback this season, but so many other players can not. But with the Indiana Fever in a precarious situation, many popular voices are wondering whether she should return this late in the season or not.

When could Caitlin Clark make her return this season?

After yet another defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever have slipped back to the eighth and final playoff spot on the table. With the team facing such challenging circumstances, the hope for a turnaround primarily hinges on Caitlin Clark’s return. But with all the speculation around it, when could she make her return to action?

During her pre-game media availability last night, Stephanie White gave an update regarding Catilin Clark’s return before the regular season ends. She said, “That’s the hope. She’s working as hard as she can to make sure that she is coming back or is capable of coming back. I think that the long-term viewpoint of her health and wellness is the most important thing.” In the media reports as well, she was seen doing 5-on-0 drills but without any contact.

Since Stephanie White has already announced that she intends to see her practice with the team before bringing her back, this recent update does not paint a positive picture of her coming back before the September 9 game against the Minnesota Lynx. In all likelihood, it seems like Caitlin Clark could return straight in the playoffs (if Indiana makes it to that stage).

Before the playoffs start on September 14, the Indiana Fever will have five days off before their potential game one of the first round. While there is no substitute for the live game action, these days would give Indiana plenty of time to get some good practices in and gauge how Caitlin Clark is shaping up for a return. 

Again, to even get to that stage, the Fever first need to make the playoffs. And with the Los Angeles Sparks still to play out a relatively easier schedule and have more games to play than the Fever (five compared to three), things could turn out ugly for the Indiana Fever.