Could Caitlin Clark’s Groin Injury Stem from Old Ankle Woes?

Caitlin Clark on hands and knees during matchup against Seattle Storm. Photo from Clutch Points

Caitlin Clark’s groin setback rules her out for the matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks. This makes the Indiana Fever's decision to sign Aari McDonald all the more clear. While the news is frustrating for fans, the injury itself may be part of a broader pattern rooted in Clark’s longstanding lower-body issues, most notably, repeated ankle problems dating back to her time at Iowa and even earlier.

Ankle roots at Iowa & high school

Clark’s history of ankle injuries began early. The last regular game she missed before her May 2025 quad strain was in November 2017 at Dowling Catholic High, due to a badly sprained ankle. Though she never missed a game at Iowa, lack of load management and compensation from ankle instability may have laid a foundation for muscular imbalance.

Compensatory mechanics: a pathway to groin injury

In sports medicine, injuries rarely happen in isolation. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to changes in biomechanics. When the ankle joint becomes unstable, the body compensates by over-recruiting other muscle groups, including the hip flexors and adductors, which stabilize the pelvis and drive acceleration.

Evolving injury pattern in the WNBA

In her 2024 season, Clark suffered two notable ankle injuries, however, she did not miss a full game. In spring 2025, Clark’s lower body began signaling trouble. A preseason “lower-left leg tightness” led to her sitting out the May 3rd game . Clark went on to miss games between May 28th and June 10th. 

The Realistic Timeline

Groin strains can vary in severity. Most Grade 1-2 strains require 2-4 weeks of rehab. More severe injuries can stretch into 6-8+ weeks, especially if core or hip function is also impaired.

While the Indiana Fever are stating this injury recovery timeline is day to day, Clark will likely miss the matchup between the standout rookie and growing rival, Paige Bueckers.

Caitlin Clark looks on in frustration with hands on her head. Photo from USA TODAY

The Unfortunate Fact

Caitlin Clark’s groin injury may seem like a sudden setback, but it could be the result of years of biomechanical compensation following untreated ankle instability. If the Indiana Fever want to protect the longevity of their franchise player, they’ll need to go beyond treating the groin, by focusing on her foundational movement health from the ground up and prioritizing rest.