As the 2026 WNBA season tips off, the league enters a new era filled with championship expectations, superstar debuts, and just as importantly, major health questions that could shape the standings from day one. Every week, this column will track the injuries that matter most, from lingering offseason recoveries and preseason setbacks to workload management concerns and surprise absences that impact rotations across the league. With contenders already navigating key injuries and others entering opening night fully healthy, availability could once again become one of the defining storylines of the WNBA season.
Mid-Week Update
Azzi Fudd - G, Dallas Wings
Fudd was a suprise scratch before Tuesday's game vs Atlanta with a knee injury. She was initially considered probable to play with a right knee injury. Thursday's matchup with the Lynx is her next chance to suit up.
Azura Stevens - F, Chicago Sky
Stevens will remain on the inactive list for Wednesday's game with a knee injury against the Valkyries. Stevens is still working her way back from a knee injury, but it's not encouraging that she continues to get ruled out a day in advance of tipoff and will likely continue to miss time at the start of the season.
Dorka Juhasz - F, Minnesota Lynx
Juhasz will miss at least the first two games of the 2026 season while dealing with a right foot sprain. She missed all of last season with an injury after a promising rookie campaign.
Brittney Griner - C, Connecticut Sun
Griner is out for Wednesday's game against the Sun with a foot injury. This is a new issue for Griner, and the Sun are calling this a left foot sprain. Presumably, she will be day-to-day moving forward
Caitlin Clark - G, Indiana Fever
Fever Star Managing Lingering Back Issue After Return to Court
After missing most of the 2025 season with multiple lower-body injuries, Caitlin Clark officially returned to the court for the Indiana Fever and said she “felt good” despite continuing to manage a lingering back issue that required in-game adjustments. Clark explained that her back can “get out of line pretty quickly,” forcing her to briefly leave the floor at times to get treatment before returning to action. The Fever star admitted there were nerves surrounding her first game back after such a long recovery process, especially following a season in which quad, groin, ankle, and back issues limited her to just 13 games. Even so, Clark played heavy minutes and looked comfortable offensively, reinforcing the belief that Indiana’s championship hopes depend heavily on her ability to stay healthy throughout the 2026 campaign.
Sabrina Ionescu - G, New York Liberty
Foot Injury Clouds Opening Week
The most notable injury on the board entering opening week may belong to Sabrina Ionescu, who is currently listed out with a foot injury through at least May 24. Any extended absence for the New York Liberty star immediately changes the outlook for New York’s offense and backcourt rotation, especially early in the season as the team works to establish continuity. Foot injuries are always worth monitoring closely for guards who rely heavily on change-of-direction movement and high-minute workloads.
DiJonai Carrington - G, Chicago Sky
Foot Issue Worth Watching in Chicago
DiJonai Carrington enters the season with a game-time designation due to a foot injury, continuing a concerning trend after foot issues impacted her late last season as well. Carrington’s defensive intensity and physical style make lower-body injuries particularly important, since much of her value comes from lateral quickness and constant pressure at the point of attack. Even if she’s active, the Chicago Sky may need to manage her workload carefully in the opening stretch.
Satou Sabally - F, New York Liberty
Early Illness Adds to New York Questions
Satou Sabally is listed as a game-time decision with an illness, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already thin Liberty injury report. While illnesses are generally short-term concerns compared to structural injuries, availability matters immediately for a player expected to carry major offensive responsibility. If Sabally or Ionescu miss additional time, New York’s depth will be tested much earlier than expected.
Napheesa Collier - F, Minnesota Lynx
Biggest Long-Term Absence to Start the Year
Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx face perhaps the toughest early-season injury blow with Collier ruled out until at least early June because of an ankle injury. Collier remains one of the league’s premier two-way stars, and her absence impacts virtually every aspect of the Lynx system - scoring, rebounding, transition play, and defensive versatility. Minnesota has enough depth to survive short stretches, but extended missed time from Collier could significantly affect early standings positioning.
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