2025 was always expected to be a transitional year for the Phoenix Mercury. With the white mamba Diana Taurasi retiring and key pieces like Brittney Griner and Sophie Cunningham gone, only Kahleah Copper remained from last season’s starting five. But against all expectations, the Mercury have gotten off to a strong start. The only thing slowing them down now? Injuries. Rookie guard Megan McConnell is the latest name added to Phoenix’s growing list of sidelined players.

Phoenix’s 5-2 start was their best seven-game run since 2014, before a recent loss to the Lynx dropped them to 5-3. But things might have been even better if Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas were healthy. Both have been out for some time, nursing knee and calf injuries, respectively. That meant Megan McConnell would be filling in after a rollercoaster of a ride just ahead of the regular season– training camp contract, preseason games, a waiver, and finally a contract for the rest of the season.

However, her happiness was short-lived. What was meant to be a celebratory week for the McConnell family quickly took a tough turn. Just as her brother gears up for his NBA Finals debut, Megan’s own WNBA run ended on a sour note.

How long will Megan McConnell be out for?

With under two minutes remaining in her debut game on Tuesday, McConnell went down with a left knee injury while chasing a loose ball and colliding with Lynx forward Alissa Pili. She had to be helped off the court by her teammates, cutting her debut heartbreakingly short. The former Duquesne star gave it her all in 13 minutes, finishing with 3 points, 1 rebound, and a steal. The Mercury has now revealed the severity of the injury.

According to UnderdogWNBA on X, the guard is expected to miss at least 3–4 weeks as she recovers. This is a huge blow for Phoenix and McConnell herself, especially considering the hard work she’s put in to reach this point. Her college coach reiterates the same sentiment.

The young guard had a very successful college career at Duquesne. She set school records with 660 assists, 370 steals, and four triple-doubles. She also ranked second all-time in points and rebounds. Her impressive college run earned her a spot in the 2025 Women’s College All-Star Game and the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year award. But that’s not all!

McConnell became just the third Duquesne player to make an active WNBA roster, joining Candace Futrell (2004) and Korie Hlede (1998). Naturally, Coach Dan Burt had nothing but praise for her achievements and work ethic. “Meg had worked incredibly hard to play in the WNBA,” he said in a statement. “This roster spot is well earned. So happy for such an awesome young woman.”

But Phoenix are to continue without her for now. In fact, they head into their games against the Valkyries severely short-handed and in need of some serious depth.

Phoenix Mercury’s injury report vs Valkyries

With Megan McConnell sidelined, the Phoenix Mercury now have 5 players on the injury report. Kahleah Copper is out with knee injury. And after a successful surgery, the timeline for her return is expected to be somewhere between mid to late June. However, the same isn’t clear for Thomas nursing her calf injury. The current status has her listed out for the game against the Valkyries.

Then there’s Natasha Mack. Out with back issues since the season opener, the star forward with be missing the upcoming game. However, Desert Wave Media reports she is getting back on the hardwood, resuming basketball activities today at Mercury shootaround. Sami Withcomb is another listed on day-to-day due to a right foot injury. For the game against Valkyries? She is probable.

Satou Sabally and the Mercury, thus, face a tough challenge against the Valkyries. Analysts still favor Mercury in the clash with ESPN predicting a win probability of 67.7%. After all, they have managed 5 wins without their star players and Sabally is only one of the 3 players averaging 20 points or above this season. So can they overcome the hurdles yet again and extend their record to 6-3? Stay tuned to find out!