The Indiana Fever may want Caitlin Clark back on the court as soon as possible, but rushing her return would be a mistake, according to Dr. David Chao, aka Pro Football Doc

On a recent episode of Sports Injury Central Podcast, Dr. Chao cast doubt on the idea that Clark’s groin injury is “day to day,” a label that’s been used in some team updates. “All I’m saying is groin injuries are not day to day,” said Chao. “We’re a week in already. I think it proves our point—it’s not day-to-day. It’s at least in the week-to-week category.”

Clark has now missed multiple games with the injury, and while the Fever are undoubtedly eager to have their star rookie back for the second half of the WNBA season, Dr. Chao made it clear, “They’re not going to push her on this.”

While Clark has shown a high pain threshold, returning quickly earlier this season from a quad injury, Chao emphasized that groin injuries, especially in athletes who rely heavily on speed and change of direction, can be tricky and require careful management.

When asked whether Clark’s groin and quad injuries could be connected, Dr. Chao offered this insight, “I’d have to say there’s some relation. Is it a direct straight line relationship? Not necessarily, but injuries beget injuries.”

The Fever will likely take the cautious route with their franchise cornerstone, especially considering Clark’s importance not only to Indiana but to the WNBA as a whole. With the Commissioner’s Cup and playoff implications looming, the pressure to bring her back is real, but Pro Football Doc’s expert opinion suggests that patience, not urgency, is the smart play.

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