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.
Caitlin Clark - G, Indiana Fever
Star Guard Was a Suprise Scratch Before Last Game With a Back Injury
Less than two hours before tipoff of the Fever's last game vs Portland, Clark was a late scratch with a back injury. Despite the team being insistent that she is healthy, they also claim she woke up with some stiffness and sitting was precautionary and part of a season-long maintenance plan. Her status will continue to be monitored throughout the season.
Rickea Jackson - F, Chicago Sky
Rickea Jackson Leaves With Knee Injury; MRI to Determine Severity After Early ACL Concerns
UPDATE - Rickea Jackson has had an MRI confirming a torn left ACL, ending her season. Rickea Jackson exited Chicago’s win over the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday after suffering a left knee injury in the second quarter and did not return, following a non-contact play where she awkwardly planted her left leg while driving to the basket. She remained on the floor for several minutes before heading to the locker room and was officially ruled out for the rest of the game. By video review, there is concern for a potential torn ACL based on the mechanism and immediate reaction, though confirmation will depend on MRI results. Sky coach Tyler Marsh said Jackson is expected to undergo imaging, and the injury is a major concern for Chicago given her early-season production as the team’s leading scorer at 22.0 points per game.
Aaliyah Boston - C, Indiana Fever
Aliyah Boston Sidelined With Lower Leg Injury, Misses First Game of Her Career
UPDATE - Aliyah Boston has participated in Tuesday's practice after missing the first game of her WNBA career. The team has not specified the nature of the injury, but she appears to be on the mend. Aliyah Boston missed her first game of the WNBA season after being ruled out of the Indiana Fever matchup against the Seattle Storm due to a lower leg injury. The setback stems from a lingering issue that surfaced after she left the previous game early, and the team has classified her status as day-to-day pending further evaluation. Boston had previously been one of the league’s most durable players, making her absence a notable development for Indiana. The Fever will rely more heavily on their supporting cast while monitoring her recovery closely, with further updates expected once imaging and medical assessments are completed.
Skylar Diggins - G, Chicago Sky
Veteran Guard Misses Time After Eye Injury
Skylar Diggins missed the Chicago Sky’s matchup against the Minnesota Lynx after being ruled out with an eye injury, which stemmed from a collision in the team’s previous game against the Phoenix Mercury. She left that contest early after taking contact to the face and was later downgraded to out after initially being listed as questionable. The injury comes amid a stretch where the Sky are also managing other roster absences, forcing adjustments in the backcourt rotation. Chicago has indicated that Diggins’ status is expected to be monitored closely, with updates to come based on recovery and symptom progression.
Brittney Griner - C, Connecticut Sun
Set To Return From Foot Injury
Griner is probable for Monday's game against the Portland Fire. Griner has missed the last two games due to a left foot injury, but she is likely to return to action Monday
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